THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has announced that it launched an interim unit that will audit its offices and ports aimed at strengthening the agency’s efficiency.
In line with BOC’s 10-point priority program,
the Interim Internal Quality Management System Office (IIQMSO) was established
earlier in May to conduct internal audits of the agency’s various groups,
offices and ports, check the assets and resources, finances and documentations,
performance and compliance of all offices to the bureau and other government
policies and laws.
It also seeks to ensure the continuity and success of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001 Quality Management System activities in the Bureau.
The agency’s TPPP includes the following: enhancement of the BoC’s information and technology system; filling up of vacant plantilla positions; provision of incentives for Customs employees; restructuring of the agency’s organization; enhancement of cargo clearance and examination capabilities; enhancement of intelligence and enforcement capabilities; codification and harmonization of IRRs; creation of a quality management system and integrity; and pursuing the passage of Customs-related legislative measures.
Since its creation, the IIQMSO has successfully audited and shared the best practices of the ports of Limay, Cebu, Subic and San Fernando, La Union, including their respective subports.
Notable achievement of the team, through collaboration and compliance of several Customs officials and personnel, is the recommendation for the two sub-ports, Mactan and Dumaguete, to undergo ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System Certification, according to the agency.
The BOC said that before the year ends, it will complete the audit engagement for the following ports and their sub-ports: Port of Clark, Port of Davao, Port of Manila and Port of Cagayan de Oro.
The Customs bureau said the IIQMSO is already preparing their plans for the year 2020.