PAROL OF PAMPANGA BECOMES SYMBOL OF A ‘BRIGHTER’ BUREAU OF CUSTOMS

The spotlight burned bright in Clark as the Bureau of Customs (BOC) brought together its top field officials for the 13th Collectors’ Conference on September 17, 2026—and District Collector Jairus S. Reyes made sure the Port of Clark was more than just a host.

It became a stage for leadership, teamwork and the continuing push for a cleaner, more modern Customs bureau.

Hosted by the BOC–Port of Clark at the Clark Freeport Zone, the gathering tackled the Bureau’s performance, operational priorities and the continuing implementation of the Integrity, Accountability, and Modernization (IAM) Program.

But one message from Clark stood out.

LIGHT.

Welcoming Customs officials from across the country, Collector Reyes pointed to Pampanga’s iconic parol as more than a cultural symbol. He presented it as a powerful image of light and hope—a fitting reflection of the IAM Program’s vision for a BOC that is increasingly transparent, accountable and modern.

That symbolism gave the conference a distinctly Clark flavor.

And Reyes was right at the center of it.

REYES: CLARK’S FRONTLINE LEADERSHIP ON DISPLAY

As host District Collector, Jairus S. Reyes put the Port of Clark front and center in one of the BOC’s major nationwide gatherings.

His message was simple but unmistakable: the road toward modernization and integrity must be illuminated by responsible public service.

The conference also provided the platform for Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno to underscore the Bureau’s gains over the past year, particularly its stronger overall performance and consistent revenue collection.

Nepomuceno recognized the hard work of BOC personnel and its partners while calling for continued teamwork to sustain the momentum and advance the Bureau’s mandate.

That is where the Clark gathering carried its biggest punch.

No Customs district can operate in isolation.

Revenue collection, border protection, trade facilitation, integrity and modernization demand coordination from the national leadership down to every port.

And in Clark, Reyes demonstrated that the host port can carry that responsibility with confidence.

FROM PAROL TO PERFORMANCE

The parol may be one of Pampanga’s most recognizable symbols, but at the Clark conference, it was transformed into a message for the entire Customs organization:

Keep the light on. Keep the standards high. Keep moving forward.

For the Port of Clark, the conference was also an opportunity to showcase its role in the BOC’s continuing nationwide campaign for stronger performance and institutional reform.

Under Reyes’ stewardship as District Collector, Clark has continued to receive attention for its revenue performance and the dedication of its personnel.

The message coming out of the conference is therefore unmistakable:

Clark is not merely a venue. Clark is part of the BOC’s continuing push for results.

And at the center of that Clark story stands District Collector Jairus S. Reyes—welcoming fellow Customs leaders, carrying the responsibility of the host port and putting Pampanga’s symbol of light at the heart of the Bureau’s message of integrity and modernization.

From the parol of Pampanga to the ports of the Philippines, the challenge is clear: keep the light burning, keep public service accountable, and keep Customs moving forward.

Clark has spoken.

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