CEBU CITY, Philippines — Sending a strong signal that the Bureau of Customs (BOC)–Port of Cebu is stepping up its game in stakeholder engagement and trade facilitation, District Collector Atty. Zsae Carrie C. De Guzman welcomed key industry players during a high-level courtesy visit on October 12, 2026.

Leading the industry delegation was Mr. Paul Steven Yao, President and Chief Operating Officer of YHK Logistics and Customs Broker Representative of SteelAsia Manufacturing Corporation, together with representatives of KEPCO SPC Power Corporation, accompanied by Ms. Esther Fabillar of F2 Logistics Philippines Inc.

Under De Guzman’s leadership, the meeting underscored a clear message: stronger partnerships, stricter compliance, faster legitimate trade, and a more responsive Customs administration.

DE GUZMAN PUSHES STRONGER INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS!

For Collector De Guzman, the engagement was more than a ceremonial handshake. It provided an opportunity to strengthen communication between Customs and the private sector, address industry concerns through proper channels, and reinforce the importance of complying with customs rules and regulations.

With legitimate businesses relying on predictable and efficient border procedures, closer coordination between Customs officials, logistics providers, manufacturers, and other industry stakeholders remains crucial to keeping trade moving while protecting government revenues.

The Port of Cebu’s engagement with these industry representatives highlights the importance of cooperation in building a customs environment that is transparent, efficient, and accountable.

NO SHORTCUTS—COMPLIANCE AND EFFICIENCY MUST GO HAND IN HAND!

The challenge facing Customs is clear: facilitate legitimate shipments without compromising enforcement, regulatory compliance, and revenue protection.

De Guzman’s stakeholder engagement reinforces the need for a balanced approach—one that helps compliant businesses navigate customs procedures efficiently while ensuring that applicable laws and regulations are observed.

For Cebu’s business community, effective communication and responsive customs administration can help reduce unnecessary delays, improve coordination, and support the smooth movement of legitimate goods.

NEPOMUCENO’S REFORM DRIVE REACHES THE PORT OF CEBU!

The engagement also supports the continuing efforts of Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno to strengthen stakeholder cooperation and promote transparent, responsive, and efficient customs operations.

With De Guzman at the helm of the Port of Cebu, sustained dialogue with industry players can help align operational concerns with the Bureau’s broader objectives of trade facilitation, good governance, and effective enforcement.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Collector Zsae Carrie C. De Guzman is putting stakeholder cooperation at the center of Cebu Customs’ trade facilitation efforts. The real test, however, lies in translating these discussions into measurable improvements—faster legitimate transactions, consistent regulatory compliance, transparent procedures, and stronger public confidence in Customs.

In the high-stakes world of international trade, partnerships must deliver results—and Cebu Customs is being challenged to turn every handshake into meaningful action.

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