Another powerhouse performance has erupted at the Bureau of Customs – Port of Cagayan de Oro as District Collector Atty. Manuel “Manny” Zurbito Jr. steered the port to a major triumph after successfully passing a critical internal quality audit—clearing the way for the next phase of its ISO 9001:2015 certification.

Under Zurbito’s iron-handed leadership, the Port of Cagayan de Oro did not just pass inspection—it made a loud statement that discipline, efficiency, and results are alive and kicking in Customs.

The Bureau of Customs Interim Internal Quality Management System Office (IIQMSO) conducted the two-day audit on April 21 to 22, 2026, reviewing key divisions and operational units of the port. Auditors found only two Opportunities for Improvement and cited one Positive Finding—proof that the port’s systems are strong, organized, and producing results.

But the biggest explosion came from the numbers.

From January to March 2026, the Port of Cagayan de Oro hauled in a staggering ₱10.69 billion in collections, smashing its target of ₱9.61 billion and posting an impressive 11.18% positive deviation.

That means one thing: under Zurbito, this port is not merely meeting expectations—it is crushing them.

Sources inside the agency say the port’s performance reflects a relentless campaign for cleaner operations, tighter systems, and faster service. While other offices struggle to keep pace, Cagayan de Oro Customs continues to surge forward like a freight train with no brakes.

Because of the successful audit, the port is now recommended for external evaluation by TÜV SÜD Philippines, the next major hurdle in retaining its prestigious ISO certification, first secured in August 2022.

Even more telling, the Port Operations Division and the Sub-Port of Mindanao Container Terminal have already begun mock audits to align operations with the main port—another sign that Zurbito is pushing for full modernization across the board.

In a message to his team, Zurbito thanked employees for their commitment and challenged them to continue owning their responsibilities with integrity, teamwork, and accountability.

That is leadership talking—and producing results.

The achievements of the Port of Cagayan de Oro also echo the reform agenda of Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, who has demanded higher standards, transparency, and modernization throughout the Bureau.

But in Northern Mindanao, one thing is clear: District Collector Manny Zurbito is turning policy into performance, audits into victories, and targets into shattered records.

Spread the news