MOA signed to fast track Cotabato -ARMM Joint CIQS Task Force initiatives

COTABATO CITY — A joint customs, immigration, quarantine and security (CIQS) task force for Cotabato and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) was established here recently to help ensure safe and efficient flow of trading and facilitation of CIQS services at the ports.

A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) creating the Cotabato-ARMM Joint CIQS Task Force (TF) was formally signed during a ceremonial turnover of equipment support for the improvement of port operations in Cotabato last October 19.

The Cotabato-ARMM Joint TF is the equivalent to the Local CIQS Consultative Councils (LCCCs) which are local venues for ports to act on resolutions for port-based issues and concerns through harmonization of efforts to improve security, facilities, and promote trade and investments.

These LCCCs were reinforced in Davao, General Santos and Zamboanga and were operationalized in Cagayan de Oro, Puerto Princesa and Cotabato as part of the CIQS initiatives to streamline and simplify its procedures and processes.

The Cotabato-ARMM Joint CIQS TF is unique from other LCCCs because it is a collaboration of two regions with members from the quarantine and security agencies and private sector groups from both regions involved.

It has gained support from the ARMM Regional Government and the Office of the City Mayor since its creation in 2008 through the interventions of the BIMP-EAGA Support Team (BEST) on CIQS Project implemented by the Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCo) with funding support from the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID).

Mr. Pedro Quiñones, Joint CIQS TF chairman said that the formalization of the task force through the signing of the MoA is a big leap forward towards modernization and sophistication in deterring terrorism in their respective areas of operation.

“Given the support and concern of our political and economic leaders in the Cotabato and ARMM we are assured, more than ever, to hold on together with them leading the way to peace and progress”. Quiñones said.

Included in the MoA are their agreements on the sharing of responsibilities for CIQS-related undertakings such as hosting and shouldering related expenses for the conduct of meetings and other similar activities. MEDCo Chairman Usec. Virgilio Leyretana said that there is a need to
reinforce the knowledge and skills of the CIQS personnel to improve the TFs service delivery for the benefit of BIMP-EAGA stakeholders, key business drivers and traders.

To date, the task force has completed 11 training activities to improve coordination and partnership between and among the members of the CIQS group as well as further build their capacity to respond to key issues and concerns such as the necessity of securing ports and improving facilities.

Through the BEST on CIQS Project, a budget was allocated for the purchase of priority equipment that the task force members identified as necessary for service delivery and improvement of port operations.

Around Php500,000 worth of radio bases, handheld radios, metal detectors, UV lights magnifying glasses, megaphones, digital cameras, as well as a laptop and LCD projector were turned over in the ceremony held at the Estosan Garden Hotel in Cotabato City.

Usec. Leyretana headed the ceremony along with the Presidential Adviser for Mindanao Jesus Dureza, Joint CIQS TF chairman Pedro Quiñones, City Mayor Muslimin Sema, and Atty. Oscar Sampulna representing ARMM regional governor.

The Office of the Commissioner of the Bureau of Customs, represented by District Collector for the Davao Port Atty. Ronnie Silvestre, together with officials and members of the Joint CIQS Task Force also took part in the ceremony. MEDCo