Photo courtesy of BOC/Facebook.
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) announced new initiatives to enhance the processing of balikbayan boxes and address concerns raised by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW).
On February 24, 2026, BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno and Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Assistant Secretary Vennie Legaspi met with representatives from OFW organizations to discuss issues involving shipments and freight forwarding companies.
Officials provided updates on abandoned boxes and containers still being processed by logistics partners.
The BOC outlined steps intended to reduce delays and prevent fraudulent practices, including advisories on freight forwarding companies, monitoring mechanisms, and regular updates for the OFW community.
Coordination with logistics partners and improvements to reporting systems were also emphasized to help ensure timely and secure delivery of packages.
Commissioner Nepomuceno said, “This will not be our first and last meeting. Rest assured that we remain committed to addressing the concerns of our OFWs, particularly in ensuring the proper handling of your hard-earned balikbayan boxes.”
Legaspi noted the importance of balikbayan boxes for OFWs and said the DMW would continue working with the BOC to address related concerns.
The meeting provided a forum for OFW representatives to raise concerns and provide feedback, and officials encouraged reporting any issues or suspected fraudulent practices to government agencies for prompt action.
