The Bureau of Customs (BOC)–Port of Cagayan de Oro is taking its trade-facilitation drive straight to the local business community—and District Collector Arnaldo “Arnie” M. Saulong is putting the Port of CDO at the center of the action.

Saulong, together with Deputy Collector for Assessment Atty. Christopher M. Inducil, Deputy Collector for Operations Atty. Mohammad Ben-Usman, and Ozamiz Subport Collector Ernie E. Lacpao, paid a series of courtesy visits in Ozamiz City on September 10, 2026, sending a clear message: BOC–CDO wants stronger coordination, faster engagement and closer government-business cooperation.

First stop was the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Misamis Occidental, where the BOC delegation met with PPA Manager Engr. Salvador L. Delina.

The meeting focused on the BOC-PPA partnership in strengthening port operations, improving trade facilitation and creating a more business-friendly environment in Ozamiz.

But Saulong’s team did not stop at the port.

They brought the discussion straight to Ozamiz City Hall, where they met with Mayor Atty. Sam Norman G. Fuentes.

SAULONG: BRING BOC CLOSER TO BUSINESS

At the heart of the discussion was a practical push: encouraging local enterprises to engage and transact directly with the Bureau of Customs and explore legitimate import and export opportunities.

The message was unmistakable.

Rather than waiting for businesses to come knocking at the customs house, the BOC–CDO leadership is reaching out to the communities and industries it serves.

For Saulong, stronger government-business engagement can help open doors for legitimate enterprises while improving understanding of customs procedures and available opportunities.

This is more than a courtesy-call circuit.

It is a ground-level strategy to connect customs operations with local economic activity.

FROM PORT OPERATIONS TO LOCAL ECONOMIC GROWTH

The BOC and LGU discussions also explored ways to assist local businesses and strengthen cooperation between government agencies and the private sector.

The objective is straightforward: make legitimate trade more accessible, encourage enterprises to participate in import and export activities, and help create conditions conducive to business and investment.

With the BOC and PPA working closely with the local government, Ozamiz is being positioned as an important link in the region’s legitimate trade network.

And Saulong is making sure the Port of Cagayan de Oro remains engaged.

NEPOMUCENO’S TRADE-FACILITATION PUSH ON THE GROUND

The Ozamiz engagement is consistent with the broader direction of BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno to strengthen collaboration with the business sector and deepen government-industry partnerships.

Under that direction, the BOC’s role goes beyond collection and enforcement.

It also means facilitating legitimate trade, engaging stakeholders and helping businesses understand how they can participate in the formal customs system.

That mission is now being carried out on the ground by Saulong and his team.

SAULONG’S MESSAGE: ENGAGE, COORDINATE, MOVE FORWARD

The Ozamiz visits demonstrate a leadership approach built around direct engagement.

From the PPA to City Hall, Saulong’s delegation brought customs closer to the agencies and communities that matter to the movement of legitimate trade.

And the message coming out of Ozamiz is loud and clear:

The Port of Cagayan de Oro is not simply collecting duties and taxes—it is building bridges for legitimate business.

With Saulong at the helm, BOC–CDO is pushing collaboration beyond conference rooms and into the local economic front lines.

For Ozamiz and Misamis Occidental, the customs door is open. The next move is for legitimate businesses to walk through it.

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