ON THE LEVEL: CEBU CUSTOMS CHIEF MORALES II, SOUTH KOREA OFFICIALS NOD TO ENHANCE TRADE FACILITATION

BOC District Collector Atty. Ricardo “Ricky” Morales II, CESE, (center) assures visiting Consul General Song Sewon and Senior Consular Officer Gobui Hong from the Consulate of the Republic of Korea in Cebu of further strengthening of ties between the Philippines and South Korea.

By Junex Doronio

IN CONSONANCE WITH THE VISION of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to steer the country’s economy back on a high-growth path, the Bureau of Customs-Port of Cebu under the leadership of District Collector Atty. Ricardo “Ricky” Uy Morales II, CESE, has committed to forging essential partnerships, the latest of which was the agreement sealed with the visiting South Korean officials.

Morales II warmly welcomed Consul General Song Sewon and Senior Consular Officer Gobui Hong from the Consulate of the Republic of Korea in Cebu during a courtesy visit last September 19, the BOC Port of Cebu said on Sunday in its Facebook post.

“We greatly appreciate Consul General Song and Senior Consular Officer Hong for taking the time to visit our port. The growing ties between our countries have led to an increase in travel, promotion of cultural exchange, and economic growth,” Morales II said.

The visit focused on enhancing trade relations, promoting efficient customs procedures, and strengthening cooperation in border protection efforts at the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA).

“We are committed to working closely with the Consulate of the Republic of Korea in Cebu to ensure unhampered movement of goods and passengers while protecting our borders,” Morales II stressed.

One of the key topics discussed was the remarkable increase in the number of flights between Cebu and Korea, a clear indication of the strong and enduring ties between the two nations.

The MCIA serves as a vital gateway for passengers traveling between the Philippines and South Korea.

This influx of passengers and flights necessitates the strengthening of border protection efforts at MCIA, where both the Korean Consulate and the Port of Cebu play crucial roles in ensuring security and compliance with Customs rules and regulations.

Morales II told the visiting South Korean officials that with guidance from Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, the BOC Port of Cebu remains committed to fostering strong diplomatic relationships with international partners such as the Consulate of the Republic of Korea in Cebu and furthering its mission in service to the public through the fulfillment of its mandates. (ai/mnm)