New Balikbayan Boxes Policy Protects OFWs
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) recently teamed up with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and other government agencies to create a robust policy on balikbayan boxes. This initiative aims to guarantee not only the safe delivery of balikbayan boxes but also to eliminate delays that have long frustrated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). The exact 4-word keyphrase “balikbayan boxes policy” is central to this new effort.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac highlighted that the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) on Balikbayan Boxes was signed to shield OFWs from fraudulent freight forwarding and delivery delays. “The Joint Administrative Order establishes a whole-of-government framework to regulate the sea cargo forwarding industry, protect OFWs from scams, and ensure balikbayan boxes reach their destination safely and on time,” Cacdac said.
Multi-Agency Approach to Balikbayan Boxes Policy
The balikbayan boxes policy features a multi-agency complaints and monitoring system designed to speed up reporting, tracking, and resolving cases involving delayed or lost packages. Moreover, a public education campaign will inform OFWs about the risks of using unaccredited forwarders and their rights and options.
Over the years, many OFWs have reported issues with lost, delayed, or undelivered balikbayan boxes. These complaints prompted the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs (HCOWA) to hold hearings, uncovering gaps in regulation and enforcement. During a March 2025 hearing, HCOWA formally directed government agencies to develop a unified solution, which resulted in the balikbayan boxes policy.
Collaboration Across Agencies
In response, the DMW and BOC led a Technical Working Group that crafted the JAO. They worked closely with the Department of Finance, Department of Trade and Industry’s Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau, Department of Transportation, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and Philippine Ports Authority.
Since 2023, these agencies have facilitated the retrieval and delivery of over 9,900 balikbayan boxes. Recently, 2,500 additional boxes arrived at the Port of Davao and are being prepared for free delivery to recipients across Mindanao.
Support for Unrecovered Boxes
For balikbayan boxes that remain unrecovered, the DMW offers financial assistance of ₱30,000 per affected OFW through the AKSYON Fund. This support comes with expanded guidelines to provide faster and more inclusive aid to those impacted.
This comprehensive balikbayan boxes policy marks a significant step forward in protecting OFWs and ensuring their gifts reach loved ones without hassle.
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