The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio have been recognized with the ‘Gawad Bayanihan sa Pamumuhunan’ award for their exceptional contributions to investment facilitation.
According to Rubio, the award highlights the BOC’s success in streamlining customs processes and expediting permits and licenses for strategic investments, in line with Executive Order No. 18 (EO 18) on Green Lanes.
He expressed commitment to advancing the country’s economic growth by ensuring a more seamless and efficient customs process that fosters a competitive investment environment.#
The award was conferred during the Gawad Bayanihan sa Pamumuhunan Awarding Ceremony, hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry – Board of Investments (DTI-BOI) on March 13, 2025, at the Ceremonial Hall, Malacañang Palace.
With the theme “Making it Happen with a Whole-of-Nation Strategy,” the event recognized government agencies and local government units for fostering a business-friendly environment. President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., who served as the keynote speaker, commended awardees led by Comm Rubio, for their efforts in advancing the Green Lanes for Strategic Investments.
President Marcos stressed, “The Gawad Bayanihan sa Pamumuhunan award is a call to stay the course and ensure that the progress we have begun continues to build momentum in the years ahead. I encourage everyone to align your organizational goals with our national priorities so that we can push for even greater economic transformation.”
The DTI-BOI recognized the BOC’s support of EO 18 through initiatives that streamline internal processes, reduce turnaround times, and enhance trade efficiency. In 2024, the agency has institutionalized stakeholder engagement through the Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Council (CICAC), expanded the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program to accredit trusted traders, implemented the ATA Carnet system for duty-free temporary imports, and issued preferential tariff guidelines under the Philippines-Korea Free Trade Agreement (PH-KR FTA) to optimize trade benefits.
These measures have strengthened trade efficiency, security, and investment opportunities, positioning the Philippines as a more attractive destination for foreign and local investments.
Rubio expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, “This award is proof of the BOC’s ongoing efforts to modernize and enhance trade facilitation, ensuring that strategic investments thrive in the country.”
