Thousands of stakeholders at the Bureau of Customs have pledged to help the government eradicate illicit trade within the bureau in an oath-taking ceremony held before the general public at the Quirino Grandstand on Sunday.
The event, dubbed as “Pledge of Commitment to Stop Illicit Trade”, was led by Customs Commissioner Nicanor E. Faeldon.
“Hopefully it will spring life in everyone’s sense of true patriotism or inspire men and women in their call of duty to rise with the highest degree of integrity, morality and character,” Faeldon said in his message as he inspired thousands of participants coming from 17 BOC ports, members of the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine Marines, traders, importers, customs brokers and other stakeholders to abandon corruption and smuggling.
“We publicly declared our unwavering stance against corruption and smuggling before every Filipino as we took the oath before them in this sweet and momentous December morning. And through it, we can proudly declare — The old and rotten BOC will eclipse behind an enduring and genuine change,” he added.
Before his stint as head of BOC, Faeldon, as a Filipino soldier received a Gold Medal for bravery in combat and other distinguished awards.
He hopes to share his patriotism and commitment to transparent and good leadership at the BOC.
“I once laid my life for my flag, and now as needed, I will lay it again for my country. It is what I am meant to be. Semper Fidelis,” Faeldon said.
Last Sunday’s event also served as the highlight of the fun-filled, 5-hour sprint-jog activity, aimed “to bring-to- the-fore” one’s personal commitment and inspired each participants towards helping BOC in its tough war against corruption and smuggling.
The event was an off-shoot of the first BOC ‘Run After the Smugglers Fun Run’ (RASFN) recently held along Roxas Boulevard.
