By Junex Doronio
OLONGAPO CITY — In what could be described as another feather on her cap, Bureau of Customs-Port of Subic (BOC-POS) District Collector Maritess “Meeks” Martin has attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Network of Anti-Corruption Authorities and Law Enforcement Agencies Meeting hosted by the United States held in Palm Springs, California.
Martin, a consistent top notcher in surpassing revenue targets, was among the select BOC delegates who attended the Feb. 14-21 meeting of APEC for this year.
To recall, despite the sluggish import and export activities due to inflation and the continuing Ukraine-Russia crisis, the BOC-POS under the leadership of Collector Martin has posted an annual collection of more than P48 billion, exceeding its 2022 annual collection target by at least P7.1 billion.
Prior to the Palm Springs meeting, there was the 1st APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) meeting last February 12–14 held at Tamaki Makaurau, New Zealand.
APEC is an inter-governmental forum for 21 member economies in the Pacific Rim that promotes free trade throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
According to the APEC website, under the theme “Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All,” the US emphasized its commitment to driving forward work on key issues such as supply chain resilience, digital trade, connectivity, opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises, climate change, and environmental sustainability.
Maharlika TV learned that APEC meetings throughout the year will tackle issues around food security, health, anti-corruption, digitalization, women’s economic empowerment, and supporting historically underserved and underrepresented communities will also be high on the agenda, grounded in the three priorities emphasizing being interconnected, innovative and inclusive.
(Amado Inigo/MTVN)
