The Bureau of Customs-Port of Clark joins the whole nation in welcoming 2004. I would also like to extend my holiday greetings to all our friends and partners in the Clark Special Economic Zone, Angeles Industrial Park, TIPCO Estates, and Luisita Industrial Park.

The Bureau of Customs is happy to announce that it surpassed the collection target for the year 2003 while only halfway through December. This is a tremendous accomplishment for all the men and women of the bureau-led by our very energetic Commissioner of Customs, Atty. Antonio S. Bernardo-who dedicated their time, effort, and energy all year round toward the achievement of this goal.

On its part, the Bureau of Customs-Port of Clark did its very best and gave its share toward the attainment of the 2003 collection target. I would therefore like to extend my deepest gratitude to the men and women of the Port of Clark, the CDC, and our investors inside and outside the Clark Special Economic Zone, for giving the national government what is due.

I am looking forward to a more fruitful and productive New Year ahead.