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Bureau of Customs and Department of Migrant Workers held a consultative meeting with overseas Filipino worker groups on February 24 for improvements in the shipment of balikbayan boxes
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Talks also focused on curbing freight forwarding abuses
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The two government agencies provided updates on abandoned balikbayan boxes and containers still under processing
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BOC outlined preventive measures, advisories, and monitoring reforms targeting fraudulent freight forwarders
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The officials pledged sustained dialogue and stronger coordination to protect OFW shipments
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) convened a consultative meeting with overseas Filipino worker (OFW) organizations to address concerns over balikbayan box handling and alleged abuses by unscrupulous freight forwarding companies.
The dialogue, led by Customs commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno and DMW assistant secretary Vennie Legaspi, centered on strengthening coordination, enhancing transparency, and improving processing procedures in line with the administration’s commitment to safeguard the rights of OFWs.
Officials also provided updates on abandoned balikbayan boxes currently out for delivery and in remaining containers still undergoing processing by partner logistics firms, BOC said in a media release.
READ: BOC starts free delivery of abandoned balikbayan boxes
The BOC also presented proposed preventive measures and process reforms to ensure proper handling of shipments while curbing fraudulent practices by freight forwarding companies that exploit OFWs abroad. These steps include crafting strategic action plans, issuing advisories on freight forwarders, and providing regular updates to the OFW community.
Both agencies underscored the need to tighten monitoring mechanisms, improve reporting systems, and coordinate more closely with logistics partners to ensure timely and secure delivery to rightful recipients.
READ: Joint administrative order strengthens regulations on balikbayan boxes
In his address, Nepomuceno assured OFW representatives of sustained engagement.
“This will not be our first and last meeting. Rest assured that we remain committed to addressing the concerns of our OFWs, particularly in ensuring the proper handling of your hard-earned balikbayan boxes,” he said.
Legaspi, for his part, emphasized the symbolic value of balikbayan boxes as products of their sacrifice. He said the DMW would continue working closely with the BOC to safeguard the interests and rights of overseas Filipino workers.
The consultative meeting served as a platform for OFW representatives to raise concerns, provide feedback, and help shape policy reforms.
Organizations were also advised to coordinate promptly with appropriate government agencies in cases of shipment issues or suspected fraudulent practices to allow timely intervention.
The BOC said the coordinated effort aims to promote greater information dissemination within the OFW community and facilitate the smooth and secure delivery of balikbayan shipments.
