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The Bureau of Customs launched its free door-to-door delivery of abandoned balikbayan boxes of overseas Filipino workers
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The service started on December 18 following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s approval of the project fund
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The project is part of the Balikbayan and OFW Action Center, which aims to address the lon- time complaints of OFWs and the abandonment of their balikbayan boxes by freight forwarders
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BOC reminded the public to ensure that they are dealing with legitimate and credible freight forwarders or deconsolidators
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has launched its free door-to-door delivery of abandoned balikbayan boxes (personal effects) of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), starting with those stuck in Manila.
The service kicked off on December 18 following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s approval of the project fund, BOC said in a statement.
The project is part of the Balikbayan and OFW Action Center (BOAC), one of Customs commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno’s programs aimed at addressing the long-time complaints of OFWs and the delivery or abandonment of their balikbayan boxes.
Established last September, the Center aims to protect OFWs’ shipments and guarantee that balikbayan boxes are handled with integrity and efficiency.
During the launch, BOC officials also inspected and conducted a ceremonial distribution of some of the abandoned boxes to their owners/recipients.
“Isa ito sa mga problemang agad nating tinutukan sa pagsisimula ng ating panunungkulan. Batid natin ang sakripisyo ng ating mga OFW, at bawat balikbayan box ay bunga ng kanilang pagsusumikap para sa pamilya,” Nepomuceno said.
(This is one of the problems that we immediately focused on when I took on the position. We understand the sacrifices of our OFWs, and that every balikbayan box is a fruit of their hard work for the family.)
BOC Internal Administration deputy commissioner and BOAC chairperson Michael Fermin said they are continuously coordinating with the Department of Finance, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and other concerned agencies to expedite the delivery of balikbayan boxes.
Fermin emphasized that the delivery is free and anyone who asks for any form of payment should be reported to the BOC.
BOC, meanwhile, reminded the public to ensure that they are dealing with legitimate and credible freight forwarders or deconsolidators.
READ: BOC suspends Makati Express Corp accreditation as deconsolidator
Last May, BOC also turned over 2,954 abandoned balikbayan boxes to DMW for distribution to families of OFWs, following clearance from the Department of Finance.
A joint administrative order (JAO) strengthening regulation on balikbayan boxes was also signed on June 9, 2025.
The JAO reinforces BOC protocols on balikbayan boxes and aims to streamline national policies on balikbayan boxes; guarantee the safe and timely delivery of every box to families of OFWs; and prevent abuses by identifying legitimate international freight forwarders and weeding out unscrupulous players.
