Bernie Anabo Jr.
When the numbers speak, there is nowhere to hide.
And at the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Cebu, the numbers are speaking loudly.
Under the leadership of District Collector Atty. Zsae Carrie C. De Guzman, the Port of Cebu smashed its August 2026 collection target, hauling in a staggering ₱4.062 billion against its assigned target of ₱3.975 billion.
The result?
₱86.86 million in surplus — or 2.19% above target!
That is not just a number on a spreadsheet.
That is revenue collected for government.
That is a performance that earned Cebu recognition from BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno during the Collectors’ Conference on September 17, 2026, in Clark, Pampanga.
And receiving the recognition was none other than Collector De Guzman.
DE GUZMAN: THE WOMAN BEHIND THE NUMBERS
The spotlight now falls squarely on Atty. De Guzman.
In an agency where collection targets are closely watched and every peso matters, the Port of Cebu’s August performance places a sharp focus on leadership, execution and accountability.
The figures are clear:
TARGET: ₱3.975 BILLION
ACTUAL COLLECTION: ₱4.062 BILLION
SURPLUS: ₱86.86 MILLION
EXCESS: 2.19%
No spin.
No excuses.
Just numbers.
De Guzman credited the achievement to the collective efforts of the men and women of the Port of Cebu, including the Subports of Mactan and Dumaguete and the Bohol Customs Office.
But leadership matters.
And somebody has to steer the ship.
For August, that responsibility rested with De Guzman.
“MORE THAN SURPASSING A MONTHLY TARGET”
De Guzman said the recognition reflects the collective dedication of Customs personnel and emphasized that the achievement is not merely about beating a monthly target.
“More than surpassing a monthly target, it affirms our responsibility to sustain efficient revenue collection while ensuring that our processes remain responsive, transparent, and aligned with the Bureau’s mandate.”
That statement carries a bigger message.
Collection performance cannot simply be about chasing numbers. It also involves maintaining systems that are responsive, transparent and consistent with the agency’s mandate.
And that is precisely where the Cebu performance becomes significant.
CEBU SENDS A MESSAGE
The Port of Cebu has sent a message through its August figures:
Targets can be beaten.
Collections can be strengthened.
And performance can be measured.
With Commissioner Nepomuceno recognizing the Port’s accomplishment, the achievement puts De Guzman and her team among the Customs officials currently being watched for their ability to translate targets into actual government revenue.
The challenge now is even bigger.
One month is an achievement. Sustaining it is the real test.
For Collector Atty. Zsae Carrie C. De Guzman, August has already produced the answer on the scoreboard.
₱4.062 BILLION COLLECTED.
₱86.86 MILLION ABOVE TARGET.
2.19% OVER THE GOAL.
The numbers have spoken.
And Cebu has made itself heard.
BOC PORT OF CEBU: TARGET BEATEN. MISSION MOVING FORWARD.
