The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Friday said it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) which will ensure prioritization of digitalization.

In a statement, BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio raised the urgency of the execution of digitalization which will give way for the agency to provide a better service to the public and the business sector.

“Digitalizing processes is a top priority to successfully deliver BOC services,” he said.

Under the agreement, both agencies may perform collaboration that would improve the BOC’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems, which is also in line with the aspirations of e-governance being pushed by the Marcos’ administration.

“This partnership aims to promote the integration, interoperability, and interconnection of their systems and applications,” it said.

Included in the collaboration is the information sharing between agencies alongside security measures to ensure safe implementation.

The MOU also entails DICT’s actual assessment of the existing customs systems. This shall also determine whether or not to develop supplementary applications for the BOC.

“They will provide recommendations and strategies for improving the ICT system, develop additional applications if needed, and ensure a smooth integration,” the BOC added.

On Thursday, DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy, Undersecretary David Almirol Jr. and Undersecretary Paul Joseph Mercado joined the BOC officials for the MOU signing.

The BOC, however, has earlier vowed to push for modernization within the department to streamline services and ease travel and trade experiences. (PNA)