CHAMPIONING the modernization of customs practices and the advancement of global trade, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) actively participated in the World Customs Organization (WCO) Global Forum on Origin Interconnectivity held on 3-4 February 2025 at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.
The high-level gathering, funded by the Korea Customs Service and the European Union (EU) under the EU-WCO Programme for Rules of Origin in Africa, convened customs leaders, trade experts, and policymakers to shape the future of origin interconnectivity.
The event featured discussions in English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese, underscoring its global importance.
Representing the BOC at this forum were Deputy Commissioner Ronnel B. Hombre of the Management Information Systems and Technology Group (MISTG), Atty. Ferdinand Pauig, Chief of the Port Operations and Coordination Division, and Jonathan T. Soriano, Chief of Systems Management Division.
Their participation reinforced the BOC’s leadership in adopting forward-thinking trade facilitation measures and aligning the Philippines with international best practices.
A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the WCO’s Feasibility Study on the Interconnectivity Framework for the Certificate of Origin, conducted in collaboration with the Technical Committee on Rules of Origin.
The study provided a comprehensive analysis of the regulatory landscape, digital transformation strategies, and operational frameworks required to establish a globally harmonized system for origin certification.
In a brief statement, Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said the BOC remains committed to advancing the modernization of trade procedures, supporting initiatives that simplify customs processes, enhance transparency, and strengthen the Philippines’ position in the global trade arena.