To strengthen the implementation of as the Strategic Trade Management Act (STMA) in the Philippines, embodied in Republic Act 10697, Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, together with Dr. Ceferino S. Rodolfo, Undersecretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Industry Development Trade and Promotions Group, and Atty. Janice Sacedon-Dimayacyac, Director of the DTI-Strategic Trade Management Office (STMO), led a momentous event on Monday as they signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA).
Rubio, was joined by key officials from the Bureau of Customs, including Atty. Vener S. Baquiran, Deputy Commissioner of the Bureau’s Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group (AOCG), and Atty. Clarence S. Dizon, Director of the Port Operations Service under AOCG.
The customs commissioner, who actively worked with the STMO, having been the designated Officer Primarily Responsible for strategic trade management during his tenure as director of the BOC Port Operations Service, expressed his deep gratitude for the opportunity to be part of this crucial occasion.
The MOA signifies a resolute commitment to establishing robust and effective strategic trade controls in the country, aligning with United Nations Security Council Resolution No. 1540.
This resolution urges UN Member States to enforce measures and establish domestic controls to prevent the proliferation of nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons and their means of delivery through strategic trade management.
Key features of the agreement are provisions for capacity-building support for the BOC to enhance its knowledge of strategic goods and foster enhanced cooperation between the BOC and STMO.
This collaboration encompasses data sharing, risk management, trade facilitation, and monitoring collective efforts.
Rubio also emphasized that the agreement aligns with the core mandates of the BOC: strengthening border control, enhancing trade facilitation, and improving lawful revenue collection.
It paves the way for a future in which strategic trade control processes expedite clearances, reduce transaction time and costs, and maintain effective levels of strategic trade control.
The Bureau of Customs' dedication in preventing illicit trafficking of strategic goods and securing the nation’s borders, and thereby significantly contribute to the peace and security of all nations was highlighted in this agreement.
In closing, Rubio assured all stakeholders that the BOC remains committed in fulfilling STMA-related obligations efficiently and is confident that the spirit of partnership will lead to the shared mission of balancing trade compliance, national security, and economic competitiveness
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