A. M. 
The first edition of the BASC Awards in El Salvador, held on wednesday, february 18, focused on supply chain security and corporate commitment to risk management. The gala brought together authorities, business leaders, and strategic partners to highlight best practices and international standards.
The event recognized companies that strengthen their logistics, customs, and operational processes to prevent crimes such as drug trafficking, terrorism, and smuggling.
During the ceremony, Diego Castillo, founder of the BASC Awards in Ecuador, congratulated the salvadoran chapter on the high participation of its members in the annual assembly.
Castillo emphasized that almost 60% of the member companies attended the meeting. He explained that this figure reflects their commitment to corporate security and risk management.
Furthermore, he compared the audits to an organizational “party”. He said that companies should view these processes as an opportunity to detect flaws before the perpetrator does. “Among friends, we will improve operations so that your processes are safer”, he affirmed to the attendees.
He recalled that in 2009 he launched an awards system in Ecuador to recognize companies that dare to demonstrate their security standards. Over time, the model became established nationwide.
Castillo also participated as a judge in El Salvador. He assured that the selection of the winners was objective, transparent, and unbiased.
A message to the business sector and international partners
Javier Ayala, president of the board of directors of BASC El Salvador, explained that the awards aim to strengthen the security culture in the private sector.
He indicated that the initiative motivates companies to review their internal processes, innovate, and engage senior management and middle management.
According to Ayala, a sustainable company must integrate security into its strategy. Otherwise, risks such as drug trafficking or terrorism can damage its reputation and ultimately end its business.
He emphasized that reputation is one of the most valuable assets of any organization. Therefore, he stressed the need to collaborate with the authorities and maintain robust controls.
Public-private partnership and customs modernization
The director general of Customs, Benjamín Mayorga, one of the guests of honor, highlighted that these types of initiatives strengthen the public-private partnership in El Salvador.
He explained that the General Directorate of Customs is promoting technological modernization processes to expedite customs clearance and reinforce controls.
Among the measures, he mentioned the use of state-of-the-art scanners, license plate recognition technology, and cargo transport monitoring systems.
Mayorga invited companies to invest in technology to strengthen traceability and logistics security. He also encouraged more companies to join programs like Trusted Economic Operator.
Furthermore, he noted that BASC has an international presence and participates in forums linked to the World Customs Organization, which opens opportunities to influence global policies.
Award-winning companies
The awards recognized companies that excel in different links of the supply chain:
Private security and surveillance services: Empresa de Seguridad Alfa, S.A. de C.V.
Road transport: Transportes Calpi S.A. de C.V.
Exporter: Visual Branding, S.A. de C.V.
Freight forwarder, maritime and customs broker: Vape, S.A. de C.V. / Agente General Seaboard Marine LTD. El Salvador.
Logistics operator: Rexcargo El Salvador, S.A. de C.V.
The winning companies received a plaque recognizing their commitment to security standards and best logistics practices.
With this inaugural edition, the BASC El Salvador Awards establish a platform for recognizing excellence in supply chain security. Furthermore, they send a clear message to the local and international market: competitiveness is also built on control, transparency, and risk prevention.
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