For thousands of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families, the balikbayan box is more than just a package — it is a tangible symbol of sacrifice, love, and connection across borders. After years of heartbreak caused by fraudulent freight forwarders, many of these long-lost boxes are finally finding their way home.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced that retrieved balikbayan boxes once lost to scams are now being delivered directly to households in Region 9 and the BASULTA area. Alongside these long-awaited deliveries, affected families also received ₱30,000 financial assistance through the DMW’s AKSYON Fund to help them recover from losses.
This milestone is part of a nationwide retrieval drive led by the DMW in partnership with the Bureau of Customs (BOC). Since 2023, more than 9,900 balikbayan boxes have already been traced and returned to rightful owners across the country.
In May 2025, another 2,954 abandoned boxes were turned over by the BOC’s Port of Davao, with 362 packages bound for Region 9 and BASULTA families. Each was delivered straight to their doorsteps, ending years of uncertainty.
The government has also moved to prevent similar scams in the future. Under a Joint Administrative Order signed by DMW and BOC, measures are being rolled out to regulate freight forwarders, set up a monitoring and complaints system, and publish an official list of accredited providers. This aims to protect OFWs from unscrupulous agents and ensure safe passage for their hard-earned padala.
DMW Regional Office IX reminded the public to remain vigilant. Families are urged to only deal with licensed and accredited forwarders and to immediately report suspicious transactions to the nearest DMW office or through its official hotlines.
