BOC Cebu gets new acting chief

CEBU, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC)-Port of Cebu underwent a leadership transition on Tuesday as District Collector Alexandra Yap Lumontad officially relinquished her post, leaving behind a strong revenue performance after the port exceeded its collection target for the first half of 2026 by ?448.73 million.

From January to June this year, the Port of Cebu generated ?25 billion in revenues, surpassing its target by more than ?400 million. In June alone, the port collected ?4.75 billion, exceeding its monthly goal by ?584.99 million.

Lumontad formally turned over the leadership of the Port of Cebu to Atty. Zsae Carrie de Guzman, who assumed office as acting district collector during a turnover ceremony attended by Customs officials and personnel.

Before her appointment, De Guzman served as acting deputy collector for Operations at the Port of Clark. She now leads one of the country’s busiest collection districts, overseeing customs operations, trade facilitation, revenue collection, and border protection in Central Visayas.

Lumontad, who has been promoted as service director of the BOC’s Financial Management Office, expressed confidence in the Port of Cebu’s continued success under its new leadership.

“I leave with complete confidence that the Port of Cebu will continue to reach even greater heights because of the exceptional people who make this port what it is,” she said.

“Though my assignment may change, the Port of Cebu will always have a special place in my heart, and I will always be proud to have been part of One Team Cebu,” she added.

During her tenure, the Port of Cebu posted significant gains in revenue collection while strengthening trade facilitation, customs enforcement, stakeholder engagement, and inter-agency collaboration, reinforcing its position as one of the Bureau’s top-performing collection districts.

The port also streamlined customs procedures, improved cargo clearance efficiency, ensured accurate customs valuation and tariff classification, and strengthened compliance with customs laws and international standards.

Among its major enforcement accomplishments was the seizure of 11 40-foot containers and 25 20-foot containers loaded with smuggled cigarettes valued at approximately ?1.84 billion, alongside sustained operations against misdeclared and undervalued shipments.

The Port of Cebu likewise expanded its engagement with the business sector through regular stakeholder consultations and strengthened coordination with law enforcement and regulatory agencies to improve intelligence sharing and border protection.

Prior to the turnover, the Port of Cebu also honored its personnel during an awarding of commendations ceremony on July 6, recognizing employees whose efforts contributed to exceeding the June 2026 revenue target and the successful interception of smuggled cigarettes.

Addressing Customs personnel during the ceremony, Lumontad thanked the workforce for their dedication.

“These commendations recognize more than accomplishments; they honor the dedication, sacrifices, and teamwork behind every success we achieve. I am proud of what we have accomplished together as One Team Cebu. May we continue to serve with integrity, excellence, and a strong commitment to our country and the Filipino people,” she added. — (FREEMAN)