International Customs Day celebration (Lyceum of the Philippines University - Batangas)

Philippine Society of Customs Administration Students (PSCAS) – Lyceum Chapter made a remarkable day in the history of Customs as they rejoiced the PSCAS Day Celebration last February 3-5, 2011 at Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas, Philippines in connection with the celebration of the International Customs Day.

The Annual Tariff Exhibit, 2^nd PSCAS Convention, National Academic Competition (Tariff Classification and Customs and Tariff Quiz Bee) and Mr. and Ms. PSCAS-Batangas 2011 were the highlighted in the said event. PSCAS-Lyceum Chapter spearheaded by their adviser, Dr. Arnold Ditan, organized and hosted the event, which was participated by customs students and faculty from Higher Education Institutions (HEI’s) all over the Philippines.

On the first day, the tariff exhibit was held. This objective of the exhibit is to familiarize the students with the imported articles subject to excise tax. New rates on petroleum products, distilled spirits, fermented liquors, still wines, motor vehicles and tobacco products and the correct computation of such tax were presented.

On the last day, the National Academic Competition was held. But before that, a Convention was held. The speakers of the Convention were as follows: Dr. Norma Menez, LPU-Batangas Research Professor, tackled the updates on customs research, Atty. Ferdinand Nague, Chairman, Professional Regulatory Board for Customs Brokers (PRBCB) discussed the updates on the Customs Brokers Licensure Examination (CBLE) and the importance of the Customs Brokers profession and Hon. Diosdado Santiago, Chairman, CHED Technical Panel for Customs Administration Education, emphasized the updates on CHED Memorandum Order for Customs Administration Education.  This convention became a plus factory for the HEI’s to recognize the customs administration education in their field of specialization.

At night, Mr. and Ms. PSCAS-Batangas 2011 were held. Mr. Joseph Nino Napa and Ms. Aleli Dimaculangan bagged the title. In connection, all the contestants reached out their help and assistance to Brgy. Sta. Clara, Batangas City, Philippines last January 29 as the PSCAS Charity Day. Winners for the Songfest were also announced. Mr. Cris John Garcia, First Placer, 2005 Customs Brokers Licensure Examination served as the pageant hosts while Mr. Erich Orolfo, Director for Culture and Arts-LPU Batangas, served as the pageant director.

Once again, the customs family is looking forward to another successful event next academic year 2011-2012.