Published May 29, 2025 06:08 pm
DAVAO CITY – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) formally turned over 2,954 “balikbayan” (returning Filipino) boxes to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) during a ceremonial turnover on Thursday morning, May 29, at the Terminal Facilities and Service Corp., Port of Davao, Barangay Ilang, Tibungco here.
The BOC said in its official Facebook page that all the abandoned boxes, sent by overseas Filipino workers from various countries, were left unclaimed after being mishandled and neglected by unreliable freight forwarding firms, then held at the Port of Davao.
In an interview with the Davao media, 42-year-old OFW Lorna de Grasya from Kuwait could not contain her happiness upon hearing about the turnover of the balikbayan boxes. She said she is close to receiving the packages she prepared for her family after two years and eight months.
Lawyer Francis Ron de Guzman, DMW assistant secretary for the Reintegration Service, assured that the 2,954 packages from 12x40 containers they received at the BOC Port of Davao will be delivered directly to OFWs' homes. He said that the DMW will shoulder the delivery fee.
“It’s not the box we’re honoring. We’re honoring the hard work, sacrifices, and love behind each and every package. Rest assured, your government remains steadfast in ensuring that all these balikbayan boxes, along with the hope they carry, will reach your homes,” De Guzman said.
He said balikbayan boxes, often packed with food, clothes, and other gifts, are heartfelt symbols of love and sacrifices of the Filipino workers abroad. He added that for OFWs, these boxes help them stay connected with their families and show their dedication to giving them a better life.
De Guzman emphasized that the turnover of the packages means more than just handing over boxes. He said that the turnover of these balikbayan boxes represents a significant milestone in government accountability, compassion, and solidarity with OFWs and their families.
On the part of the BOC, it said the turnover of the packages marks the culmination of months of dedicated coordination and groundwork that began in 2024, when Customs officials proactively reached out to the DMW to address the issue of mishandled and abandoned packages.
The BOC said that from securing legal permissions to handling documentation and logistics, they worked to ensure that the balikbayan boxes could be released through lawful and proper means. It added that the DMW will facilitate the distribution and delivery of the packages.
Under the leadership of Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, the BOC vowed to continue to pursue reforms that go beyond trade and enforcement. It said that by aligning its efforts with the needs of the people, the bureau only showed that its service can be both efficient and compassionate.
