The Bureau of Customs – Ninoy Aquino International Airport took part in a two-day workshop sponsored by the US Customs and Border Protection in a bid to improve efficiency in performing basic tasks and help combat smuggling in the Philippines.
The workshop dubbed ‘Hybrid Virtual Workshop for International Air Cargo Interdiction Training’ was organized by the United States Export Control and Related Border Security (US-EXBS) Program on June 17 and 18.
“The workshop aims to train and impart on the participants, through information sharing, the best practices being used all over the world in order to meet the highly challenging task of securing the borders from illicit trade,” said Port of NAIA collector Carmelita Talusan.
The Export Control and Related Border Security Program is a state department program of the United States designed to help partner governments to develop and improve their strategic trade and related border control systems in accordance with international standards, through technical assistance, executive exchanges and training workshops for border control and enforcement agencies.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the primary border control agency of the United States, charged with regulating and facilitating international trade.
The workshop was held following a special training program initiated by the SGS Academy on June 16 in line with the agency’s vision to become a world-class Customs administration.
The training was attended by 80 personnel from Customs NAIA Central Mail Exchange Center, Customer Care Center, Public Information Office, and Office of the District Collector, and members of the Multi-Sectoral Advisory Council.
The training focused on the latest best practice in the industry, technical standards, and current legal and regulatory compliance expectations.
Talusan acknowledged the SGS Academy for the knowledge shared during the seminar and the MSAC members in giving their unwavering support, time and resources.
“The Customs-NAIA remains committed in building a stronger bridge between the government and the public through the promotion of outstanding customer service and improving its processes towards best practices to serve national and public interest,” she said.