By Ferdinand Patinio | Philippine News Agency
The Department of Finance (DOF) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Wednesday commenced the distribution of the first batch of the final wave of abandoned balikbayan boxes to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Finance Secretary Frederick Go and Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno personally led the distribution of the long-awaited balikbayan boxes to 28 OFWs and their families at the BOC grounds in Port Area, Manila.
The first wave, which began on Dec. 18, 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.
The initiative is funded through the approval of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., reaffirming the administration’s commitment to protect the welfare of OFWs.
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 BOC 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.
“This is about restoring trust and protecting our OFWs. 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 BOC chief said.
Meanwhile, Go said President Marcos heard the pleas of the affected OFWs and approved the door-to-door delivery of their boxes.
“Ang ibig sabihin po nito ay matatanggap nang walang dagdag gastos ang inyong mga padala, diretso sa bahay mismo ng inyong mga mahal sa buhay,” Go said.
“I am very happy to join you today as we distribute the first batch of the final wave of balikbayan boxes. Those present will receive their packages directly, while the rest will be delivered straight to their doorstep, as promised,” he added.
