𝐁𝐎𝐂 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐆𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐄 𝐏𝐥𝐮𝐬 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐬

Manila- The Bureau of Customs (BOC) joined the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in marking the completion of the ASEAN Regional Integration Support – Philippines Trade- Related Technical Assistance (ARISE Plus Philippines) project – an initiative that has helped make trade processes faster, safer, and more predictable for Filipino businesses and consumers – during its closing event held in Manila on 21 November 2025.

The EU-funded ARISE Plus Philippines is a five-year program implemented with DTI and the International Trade Centre (ITC). The project strengthened the country’s trade performance, expanded market access for MSMEs in the EU and ASEAN, and supported the modernization of customs operations, quality infrastructure, and export systems.

On the same day, the BOC took part in the 8th and final Project Steering Committee (PSC) Meeting, chaired by DTI Assistant Secretary Kristian R. Ablan and attended by Dr. Marco Gemmer, Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation to the Philippines. The PSC reviewed the project’s overall impact, key lessons learned, and sustainability plans ahead of its conclusion. Agencies including DTI, FDA, BOC, and MSME partners presented their respective accomplishments.

Representing Assistant Commissioner Atty. Vincent Philip C. Maronilla, who leads the project’s Trade Facilitation Component, Ms. Rhoan P. Escarmosa and Mr. Brian M. Domingo of the Office of the Commissioner (OCOM) reported significant progress in integrated risk management, the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program, and cross-border controls for e-commerce-reforms that directly support faster clearance, reduced costs, and improved security for traders and consumers. The Bureau also noted the publication of the AEO Operations Guidelines in October as a major milestone supported by ARISE Plus.

These achievements contributed to the Philippines’ strong performance in the 2025 United Nations Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation, where the country posted a solid improvement-from 86% to 91% across a wide range of trade facilitation indicators.

The BOC expressed its deep appreciation to the EU, ITC, and DTI for their partnership and reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the systems, policies, and capacities developed through the project ensuring that the gains continue to benefit the public, small and large enterprises, and the broader trading community.

Guided by Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, the BOC will build on the reforms and systems developed under ARISE Plus Philippines as it advances the continuous modernization of customs operations and fosters a more efficient and competitive economic environment.