The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has announced an ambitious initiative to deliver thousands of abandoned balikbayan boxes to the families of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) within the next two months. This effort follows a recent inspection at the Manila International Container Port (MICP), where Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno led the rollout of these long-overdue packages.
Port Inspection Reveals Scale of Abandonment
During an inspection on Friday, January 24, 2026, Commissioner Nepomuceno oversaw the assessment of more than 100 container vans filled with balikbayan boxes that have been languishing at the port. Some of these boxes have been abandoned for several months, with reports indicating that a few have even been stuck for over two years. The contents primarily include food items and personal effects, which are typical of the care packages sent by OFWs to their loved ones back home.
Timeline and Coordination Efforts
In a statement, Nepomuceno expressed hope that the delivery process could be completed within 60 days, though he acknowledged uncertainties regarding the speed of forwarders. "Hopefully within 60 days, but we are not sure how fast our forwarders can do it. What is important is we will release these containers in the next few days," he said. The BOC is actively coordinating with the Department of Migrant Workers to facilitate the release of the container vans to logistics providers, ensuring a smoother distribution chain.
Government Support and Public Updates
This initiative has received backing from the highest levels of government, with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. approving funds for door-to-door delivery of the packages to rightful owners across the nation. The inspection was conducted in collaboration with the National Bureau of Investigation, highlighting the multi-agency approach to resolving this issue. For ongoing updates, the public is encouraged to monitor the BOC's official website, which provides dedicated information for OFWs.
The move underscores the BOC's commitment to addressing logistical challenges and supporting the Filipino diaspora, ensuring that the heartfelt gifts from OFWs finally reach their intended recipients.
