Cebu Customs District Collector Atty. Ricardo Uy Morales II, CESE, (5th from left) shaking hands with shipping magnate Lucio E. Lim Jr.

By Junex Doronio

CEBU CITY — Demonstrating its growing trust and confidence in the Bureau of Customs-Port of Cebu as a hub for efficient trade operations, a big shipping company is eyeing to import electric vehicles.

This developed as the BOC Port of Cebu under the leadership of District Collector Atty. Ricardo “Ricky” Uy Morales II, CESE, reaffirmed its commitment to boost revenue collection and trade facilitation during a productive meeting with Lucio E. Lim Jr., president of Lite Shipping Corporation.

“Cebu’s strategic location partnered with our commitment to provide seamless and efficient customs processes make us the ideal choice of businesses seeking to expand their operations. Cebu is well-positioned to become a hub for trade and innovation, and we welcome Lite Shipping Corporation’s initiative to import electric vehicles through the Port of Cebu,” Morales II said.

Lite Shipping Corporation is a Cebu City-based shipping line that operates the Lite Ferries, a brand consisting of a fleet of more than 20 ships which has routes to the ports of Pulauan (Dapitan), Dipolog, Larena (Siquijor), Mandaue, Ormoc, Naval (Biliran), Plaridel (Misamis Occidental), Samboan, Oslob, San Carlos (Negros Occidental), Sibulan (Negros Oriental), Tagbilaran, Toledo, Cagayan de Oro, Jagna, Tubigon, Dumaguete, Nasipit (Agusan del Norte), Bogo Calbayog and Lipata (Surigao).

“We are dedicated to ensuring that this partnership is not only successful but contributes significantly to our region’s economic growth,” Morales II stressed.

The meeting, held last September 11, was also attended by Deputy Collector for Operations Atty. Vicente Andrew M. Espina, Land Transportation Office (LTO) Assistant Regional Director Engr. Arturo Roque Apolinar, and Alin Group of Companies president Israel D. Alin.

Morales II — Collector Ricky as he is fondly called by Cebu Customs stakeholders — was appointed as Collector of Customs VI by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr. last June 5.

During the meeting, Morales II also highlighted the Cebu Port’s ongoing marketing efforts to boost revenue collection, bolster trade relations and elevate the Port of Cebu’s status as a central gateway for commerce in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. (ai/mnm)