The Department of Finance (DOF) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) have started distributing the first batch of the final wave of balikbayan boxes that had long been delayed, affecting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families.
According to an SMNI report, the distribution activity was held at the Port Area in Manila and was led by DOF Secretary Frederick Go and BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno. During the event, 28 OFWs and their family members personally received their packages.
Authorities said the move is part of the government’s effort to ensure that accumulated shipments are delivered to their rightful recipients and to hold freight forwarders accountable for failures that caused the delays.
Based on BOC records, more than 14,000 balikbayan boxes have already been delivered from the initial batch involving 68 containers.
Officials also reported that over 24,000 more boxes remain under the final wave and are currently being processed for immediate delivery.
The government also reiterated its commitment to improving the delivery system and reminded OFWs to transact only with licensed cargo forwarders.
