By Junex Doronio

CEBU CITY — In line with the Bagong Pilipinas vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to uplift the quality of life of all Filipinos, Bureau of Customs-Port of Cebu District Collector Romeo Allan R. Rosales has initiated moves to strengthen the public-private partnership to improve trade facilitation in Cebu Island province ultimately supporting the country’s economic growth and food security.

This developed after the BOC-POC recently welcomed delegates from Ecossential Foods Corporation for a productive meeting with District Collector Rosales on Thursday (30 May 2024).

“Creating a business-friendly environment is a priority at the Port of Cebu,” Rosales said.

As a leading food importer, representatives of Ecossential Foods presented their plans to expand access to high-quality food products for Cebuanos, particularly focusing on increasing affordability and variety in local markets.

“We continuously strive to streamline procedures and ensure transparency. This meeting strengthens our collaboration with stakeholders like Ecossential Foods to facilitate lawful trade and ensure effective border protection,” Rosales further said.

It was gathered that the discussions revolved around the commitment of Ecossential Foods to dutifully follow Customs regulations and contribute to the BOC’s revenue collection efforts.

The Ecossential Foods delegation included Supply Chain Director Hana Celo, Importation Manager Jay-r Sanido, Importation Officer Ian Bontuyan, Operations Manager Eric Dihayco, and Processor Malvin Carbelledo.

The meeting also emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue between the Port of Cebu and importers like Ecossential Foods.

“This collaboration aims to solidify Cebu’s position as a hub for efficient and secure trade, benefiting all stakeholders,” Deputy Collector for Assessment Atty. Marc Anthony C. Patriarca noted.

He added that the BOC Port of Cebu under District Collector Rosales remains dedicated to fulfilling its mandate, ensuring a seamless and secure trade environment for all.

(el amigo/mnm)

Newly-appointed BOC Port of Cebu District Collector Romeo Allan R. Rosales, Deputy Collector for Assessment Atty. Marc Anthony C. Patriarca, and Deputy Collector for Operations Atty. Danny J. Mella with the officers of the Chamber of Customs Brokers Inc. – Cebu Chapter (Photo grab from BOC Port of Cebu Facebook post)

By Junex Doronio

CEBU CITY — In line with the marching order of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. to help boost the country’s economy, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Cebu under the new leadership of District Collector Romeo Allan R. Rosales has forged ties with the Association of International Shipping Lines, Inc.(AISLI) and the Chamber of Customs Brokers Inc. – Cebu Chapter (CCBI – Cebu).

On Thursday (4 April 2024), AISLI officials led by its Port Operators Council (POC) – Cebu chapter chairman Rene Ledesma paid a courtesy call on District Collector Rosales alongside Deputy Collector for Assessment Atty. Marc Anthony C. Patriarca, and Deputy Collector for Operations Atty. Danny J. Mella to discuss strategies to streamline Customs processes and enhance port efficiency, among other concerns.

“This visit is a positive step towards building a more collaborative relationship between the Port of Cebu and the shipping industry in Cebu. We at the Port of Cebu are committed to working together to ensure the smooth flow of trade and to create a more efficient and transparent customs environment,” Rosales said.

On Wednesday (3 April 2024), the Chamber of Customs Brokers Inc. – Cebu Chapter (CCBI – Cebu) also paid a courtesy visit on District Collector Rosales and Deputy Collector for Assessment Atty. Patriarca.

The CCBI – Cebu Chapter officials were its president Elizir L. Lao, Internal Vice President Elorde I. Talisic, Vice President for Government Affairs Joshua T. Tan, Secretary Elizalde P. Deligero, Treasurer Richard M. Rongcales, P.R.O. Daniel I. Magto, Board of Directors – Geraldine S. Secuya, Beverly Glen A. Cabelino, Claudine Fel C. Lauros,  and Carlos A. Barte, and Office Manager Mr. Jake S. Montilla.

They discussed ways to foster closer ties between both organizations and enhance cooperation for faster trade facilitation.

“We value the contributions of the Chamber of Customs Brokers Inc. – Cebu Chapter in our shared goal of promoting trade facilitation and ensuring compliance with customs regulations. Together, we can work towards streamlining processes and enhancing the ease of doing business at the Port of Cebu,” Rosales noted.

(el Amigo/MNM)

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)