In a bureaucracy often defined by paperwork and policy, District Collector Rizalino Jose C. Torralba of the Bureau of Customs-Manila International Container Port (BOC-MICP) has chosen to lead differently — with malasakit, vision, and heart.

The recent creation of the Bureau of Customs Manila International Container Port Employees Consumers Cooperative (BMECCO) marks not just a milestone for the Port, but a defining moment in Customs leadership. For the first time in the Port’s history, employees now have their own cooperative — a symbol of empowerment and collective progress.

Torralba’s brand of leadership has always emphasized that true reform begins with people. His belief that a motivated, financially stable, and cared-for workforce drives institutional success is now taking shape through BMECCO.

“This cooperative is more than just a legacy; it is a testament to the values of malasakit, inclusivity, and empowerment,” Torralba said. Those words resonate deeply because they reveal a public servant who sees beyond statistics and performance metrics — one who values the people behind the numbers.

It’s easy to talk about reforms; it’s harder to build them into something tangible. The approval of BMECCO by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) on September 23, 2025, did not happen overnight. It took planning, dedication, and a clear direction from Torralba — all in line with BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno’s directive to prioritize employee welfare.

This initiative sends a powerful message: that at MICP, employees are not just workers — they are partners in progress. BMECCO aims to provide sustainable services, financial opportunities, and social support that will uplift lives not just today, but for generations of Customs employees to come.

In an agency often scrutinized for corruption or inefficiency, Torralba’s leadership stands out. He reminds everyone that real change is not only measured by the revenue collected but by the lives improved.

Indeed, Rizalino Jose C. Torralba is shaping a new legacy — one that doesn’t just collect duties and taxes, but builds dignity and trust among his people.

BMECCO is more than a cooperative. It is a reflection of a leader’s conviction that compassion (malasakit) and empowerment are the true cornerstones of public service. And for the men and women of MICP, this is a legacy they can proudly call their own.

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