BOC Proposes Balikbayan Box Tracking Application
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is exploring the launch of an innovative application that will enable overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to track their balikbayan boxes easily. This move aims to prevent shipment anomalies and improve transparency in the delivery process. Members of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs were briefed on this development during their June 2 session, marking Congress’s first meeting after a three-month break.
Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre, who chairs the committee, heard from BOC legal experts about the agency’s plan to automate balikbayan box monitoring. “One of the critical concerns for the BOC is to have what you call automation of the monitoring of the balikbayan boxes. So meaning to say, if you are an OFW, the moment you send your balikbayan box, you have already an application so that you will be monitoring your valid balikbayan box from the time you choose a consolidator, until it is released,” explained a BOC lawyer.
Currently, OFWs face challenges in tracking their balikbayan boxes. “The OFW, being the owner of that balikbayan box, should have the right, of course, and the access to the box itself—where is it going, and whether it’s already reached the Philippines,” the official added. This lack of monitoring tools has been a long-standing concern.
Digitalizing the Balikbayan Box Process
The BOC is committed to digitalizing its systems as part of a broader modernization push. Discussions with potential service providers are ongoing to find practical and applicable solutions. “We will be doing due diligence if these systems are really applicable and practical,” the official noted. Although the proposal is still under review and not yet approved, the agency aims for a proactive approach to improve the balikbayan box shipping experience.
Joint Efforts for Safer Shipping
Meanwhile, OFW Party-list Rep. Marissa Magsino shared updates on reforms designed to make balikbayan box shipping safer and more humane. A technical working group has drafted a Joint Administrative Order (JAO) involving multiple government agencies. This order seeks to simplify tax exemption rules for balikbayan boxes valued up to P150,000 and enforce “solidarity liability” among local deconsolidators and their partners.
The JAO also includes provisions for escrow deposits to hold service providers accountable and launches stronger information campaigns to educate OFWs about legitimate cargo forwarders. These measures aim to protect OFWs from fraudulent practices and streamline the shipping process.
Interim Measures and Consolidator Lists
To hasten balikbayan box shipments, the BOC is implementing interim measures. These include clearer documentation requirements, faster inspection procedures, and direct coordination with accredited consolidators. Additionally, the agency has shared lists of reliable and problematic consolidators with the committee to guide OFWs in choosing trusted partners.
This comprehensive approach signals a significant step forward in enhancing the balikbayan box system. It promises greater transparency, accountability, and convenience for OFWs sending their beloved packages home.
For more news and updates on balikbayan box tracking application, visit Filipinokami.com.