The Philippines’ Bureau of Customs (BOC) had recently launched six (6) modern information systems that are aimed at enhancing the ease of doing business with the Agency and reduce red tape and eliminate corruption.
These systems were created to eliminate or lessen human interaction in line with the Agency’s processes, as well as cut the avenues for corruption.
According to a recent report, the six computer systems form part of Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero’s 10-point priority program for 2019.
This priority programs also include enhancement of the Agency’s Information Technology (IT) system and cargo clearance processes.
The Modern Information Systems
The six new IT systems unveiled are as follows:
- The BOC Customer Care Portal
This is an issue ticketing system that will provide answers to inquiries and concerns submitted by stakeholders.
- The Document Tracking System (DTS)
This allows users to track the documents being processed by different offices of the Agency.
- The Goods Declaration Verification System (GDVS)
This is a queueing management system that allows stakeholders to get real-time updates on the status of their goods declaration.
- The National Value Verification System (NVVS)
This will serve as a guide for assessment personnel to determine the accuracy of the declared value of goods in shipments in order to collect accurate duties and taxes.
- The Alert Order Monitoring System (AOMS)
This was launched to promote transparency. It can track the status of alert orders and alerted shipments, thereby providing an alert status from the issuance of alert orders until it is resolved.
- The BOC Dashboard
This is a one-stop platform introduced in order to provide real-time updates about the operations of the Agency. Moreover, it will give a comprehensive view of what is happening in all the ports nationwide.
The systems were piloted two months prior the launch and were implemented nationwide after being launched.
With these latest innovations, the Agency has taken a big leap forward in the efficient, effective and reliable processing of documents and shipments.
It will therefore provide better service to stakeholders as well as improve the revenue collection
Costs and Funds
As reported, the Agency launched the systems through an event which was dubbed as “The Improved BOC: Seamless and Simplified.”
Because the Agency tapped its in-house talent and equipment, the Bureau of Customs spent less than PHP 10 million (US$ 194,765) to rollout the IT systems.
The BOC Chief shared that full-scale modernisation will eventually be funded by a loan from the World Bank.
Additionally, the Agency plans to shift to a fully automated customs processing system from the present electronic to mobile (E2M) system, as required under the proposed US$ 150 million loan from the World Bank.
