To advance their cooperation and work towards a synchronised and well-coordinated information and communication technology (ICT) system, the Bureau of Customs (BoC) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) have formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaboration intends to support the systems and applications integration, interoperability, and interconnection.
According to the MoU, the DICT will analyse and evaluate the BoC’s present applications and systems in its capacity as the Executive Branch’s primary ICT development organisation. They will design additional apps as necessary, assure seamless integration, and offer suggestions and methods for enhancing the ICT system.
As the DICT’s partner in digital transformation, the BoC will offer direction and assistance for interoperability. To help achieve the objectives mentioned in the MoU, they will also exchange pertinent information and data.
Both parties agree to abide by all applicable laws and rules, including those governing budgeting, accounting, and procurement procedures. Prioritised security measures will be used to protect programme execution.
BoC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio thanked the DICT, represented by Secretary Ivan John Uy, Undersecretary David Almirol, Jr, and Undersecretary Paul Joseph Mercado, for its efforts to bring government agencies together to provide better public services during the signing ceremony.
The BoC’s dedication to embracing digitalisation and the potential it presents was emphasised by Commissioner Rubio. Delivering BoC services successfully requires a primary emphasis on digitalising processes. He recognised the value of digital transformation in raising productivity and giving customers and businesses an unmatched experience.
An important step has been taken in the Philippine government’s ongoing digital transformation process with the signing of the MoU between the BOC and DICT. It illustrates the BoC’s commitment to fulfilling its duties and resolves to carry out the projects described in the MoU.
This collaboration represents a common goal of creating a digital Philippines. Both organisations seek to improve customs administration, streamline procedures, and provide excellent services to stakeholders and the public by promoting collaboration and utilising technology.
Additionally, through the introduction of Regional Inclusive Innovation, the Mimaropa Regional Research, Development, and Innovation Committee (RRDIC), presided over by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Mimaropa, brought together Key Actors of the Innovation Ecosystem from the Regional Development Council (RDC) for the signing of MoU.
The MoU demonstrates the importance of concrete collaboration among regional government agencies, higher education institutions, and local government units for achieving sustainable development. It emphasised the value of innovation in tackling the issues the Mimaropa region faces and the necessity of collaboration amongst all sectors to implement the Philippine Development Plan and Sustainable Development Goals.
In line with regional collaborative innovation, DOST Mimaropa and the Department of Tourism (DoT) Mimaropa also formally confirmed their partnership by signing another MoU for joint initiatives promoting the expansion of the Philippine tourism industry in the area.
The Halal Research Ecosystem for Development and Innovation Programme in Support of the Philippine Tourism Industry (Halal REDI Tourism Programme), the Artificial Intelligence-based Management for Disaster Risk Evaluation and Monitoring (AIM4DREAM) application, mimaropaventures.ph, and the Tourism Live Inventory of Statistics and Arrivals (TourLISTA) project are a few examples of the innovative tourism initiatives promoted through the collaboration.
The cooperative effort is expected to produce ground-breaking solutions that will improve the region’s adaptability and economic growth, bringing benefits to both the current and future Mimaropa generations.
