Cebu Families Finally Receive Long-Awaited Balikbayan Boxes After BOC-DOF Pledge
Families in Cebu have at last received their long-awaited Balikbayan boxes, following a commitment from the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and Department of Finance (DOF) to complete distribution at the Port of Cebu before the end of March. This effort is part of a nationwide operation that has recovered a total of 25,818 abandoned boxes.
Ceremony Marks Final Phase of Distribution
On Tuesday, March 24, 2026, Finance Secretary Frederick Go and Bureau of Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno led a ceremony to hand over the abandoned boxes to beneficiaries at the Cebu Ports Authority Sport Complex in the North Reclamation Area. The distribution in Cebu signifies the concluding stage of the cargo recovery initiative, which involved boxes left behind by freight forwarders. To date, 13,842 boxes have been distributed locally in the area.
Government Commitment to Protecting OFW Shipments
Secretary Go emphasized the government's duty to safeguard packages sent by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). He stated, "The Bureau of Customs and the Department of Finance, together with the DMW, continue to assist in returning abandoned boxes to families. We will not allow our OFWs to be deceived." This underscores a broader effort to ensure that shipments from abroad reach their intended recipients without issue.
Completion of Nationwide Operations
Commissioner Nepomuceno noted that while distribution has already been completed at the Port of Manila and Port of Davao, authorities are prioritizing the remaining boxes at the Cebu port until all are handed out. This targeted approach aims to clear backlogs and provide relief to affected families across the Philippines.
