The Department of Finance (DOF) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) have commenced the distribution of the first batch of the final wave of abandoned balikbayan boxes to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), marking a major milestone in the government’s sustained effort to ensure that long-delayed shipments finally reach their intended recipients. The initiative is funded through the approval of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., reaffirming the administration’s commitment to protect the welfare of OFWs.

DOF Secretary Frederick D. Go, together with BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, personally led the distribution on 18 February 2026 at the BOC Grounds in Port Area, Manila. During the activity, 28 OFWs and their families personally received their long-awaited balikbayan boxes.

Beyond the ceremonial distribution, the activity also served as a venue for direct consultation and dialogue between government officials and OFWs. During the engagement, the DOF and the BOC addressed concerns surrounding abandoned balikbayan boxes, explained how these situations occurred, and outlined ongoing reforms and initiatives to streamline processing, improve transparency, and expedite delivery to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The distribution was carried out in strict adherence to established customs procedures, with BOC personnel overseeing the proper documentation, inspection, and organized release of each shipment. The Bureau coordinated closely with relevant government offices, stakeholders, and logistics partners to ensure that every stage of the process was conducted with efficiency, accountability, and transparency.

Commissioner Nepomuceno emphasized that the initiative goes beyond the physical delivery of boxes. “This is about restoring trust and protecting our OFWs,” he said. “We are committed not only to completing the delivery of these abandoned boxes, but also to reforming systems, enforcing accountability, and ensuring that such abuses are not repeated.”

The first wave, which began on 18 December 2025, covered 68 containers that were released from customs ports and transferred to logistics partners’ warehouses. These containers contain a total of 20,944 balikbayan boxes, of which 14,305 boxes have already been successfully delivered door-to-door to their rightful OFW consignees.

The final wave consists of 72 containers estimated to contain 24,536 balikbayan boxes. Of these, 14 containers have already been released from the Manila International Container Port (MICP), while 58 containers remain under processing pending the completion of clearances and the waiver of port charges. Upon compliance with all documentary requirements, the BOC will proceed with the release and delivery of the remaining containers to their intended recipients.

In parallel with the distribution efforts, the DOF and the BOC are strengthening preventive and legal mechanisms, including assisting affected OFWs in filing criminal complaints before the National Bureau of Investigation against erring freight forwarders to ensure accountability and deter future violations.

The DOF and the BOC also reminded OFWs to remain vigilant when sending balikbayan boxes and to transact only with licensed, reputable, and verifiable freight forwarders. OFWs are advised to keep copies of official receipts, tracking numbers, and shipment documents, verify company registration, licenses, and contact details before transacting, and exercise caution against unusually low shipping rates or guarantees that may indicate fraudulent schemes. Those who encounter problems with their shipments are encouraged to promptly coordinate with the proper government agencies to enable timely intervention and prevent further losses.

Through this coordinated effort, the DOF and the BOC remain committed to safeguarding the interests of Overseas Filipino Workers, completing the delivery of abandoned balikbayan boxes, and implementing lasting reforms that promote transparency, accountability, and protection against abusive freight forwarding practices. (BONG SON)