The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has announced an ambitious plan to deliver thousands of abandoned balikbayan boxes to the families of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) within a two-month timeframe. This initiative comes after President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. approved the necessary funding to facilitate the door-to-door delivery of these packages to their rightful owners across the nation.
Timeline and Logistics for Delivery
BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno stated in a recent interview that the agency hopes to complete the delivery process within 60 days, although the exact speed will depend on the efficiency of the forwarders involved. He emphasized that the priority is to release the containers in the coming days, ensuring that the packages reach their intended recipients as swiftly as possible.
Inspection and Coordination Efforts
On Friday, January 23, 2026, Commissioner Nepomuceno, alongside the National Bureau of Investigation, conducted an inspection of over 100 container vans loaded with balikbayan boxes at the Manila International Container Port. During this inspection, it was revealed that some of these boxes have been languishing at the port for several months, with a few cases extending beyond two years.
The contents of these balikbayan boxes primarily include food items and personal effects, which are typical for such packages sent by OFWs to their loved ones back home. To streamline the process, the BOC is actively coordinating with the Department of Migrant Workers to ensure the smooth release of the container vans to the designated forwarders.
Public Updates and Next Steps
The BOC has advised the public to stay informed about the progress of this delivery initiative by accessing their official website for updates. This effort underscores the government's commitment to addressing the needs of OFW families and resolving long-standing issues related to abandoned shipments.
