AS part of the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) commitment to support the government’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, BOC Commissioner Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero and Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) District Collector Carmelita M. Talusan, on June 29, 2022, were commended during the 32nd National Task Force Vaccine Cluster Meeting which was held in the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Pasay City.

Commissioner Guerrero was recognized by Sec. Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., chief implementer and vaccine czar, National Task Force Against COVID-19, for the Guerrero’s “tireless commitment and outstanding leadership as the Commissioner of the Bureau of Customs paved the way for the expeditious clearance and entry of COVID-19 vaccine and medical equipment shipments which was instrumental to the success of the nation’s vaccination program and COVID-19 response.”

Collector Talusan as Port Collector of NAIA, was also given special recognition by Secretary Galvez for her “tireless commitment and relentless efforts as Head of the Port of NAIA of the Bureau of Customs. Her commendable leadership ensured the efficient processing and release of COVID-19 vaccines and Personal Protective Equipment [PPE] which was instrumental to the success of the nation’s vaccination program and COVID-19 response.”

Among those present and recognized during the event were Department Undersecretaries Mark Dennis YC Joven of the Department of Finance (DOF), Myrna C. Cabotaje of the Department of Health (DOH), and Rowena Cristina L. Guevara of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Also recognized were Asec. Eric Gerardo Tamayo of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and Dr. Ma. Soledad Antonio of DOH among others.

Sec. Galvez, in his statement, acknowledged the efforts of BOC, specifically BOC-NAIA, which played a “crucial” role in the government’s pandemic response.

Galvez stated that he witnessed the dedication of and commitment of BOC and Port of NAIA personnel in releasing the vaccines quickly and seamlessly, resulting in the release of 240,430,890 vaccines from February 2021 when the first batch arrived.

BOC-NAIA successfully carried out its duty through the timely creation of the “BOC-NAIA COVID-19 One Stop Shop” which processed and cleared shipments before arrival.

The Port also provided personnel 24/7 to ensure the expeditious processing, releasing, and under guarding of vaccines until their delivery to various storage facilities.

In addition, BOC-NAIA successfully inoculated airport frontliners as it was recognized as the 1st certified, non-LGU (local government unit), and non-health, national government agency to host a certified vaccination program.

The Port of NAIA, under BOC Comm. Guerrero remains “committed” to supporting the nationwide response against COVID-19 as it remains one of the nation’s premiere ports committed to the border protection, revenue collection, and trade facilitation mandate.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Jun I. Legaspi