The Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Davao transferred 2,954 abandoned balikbayan boxes to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) for distribution to the families of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
These boxes, filled with items sent by OFWs to their loved ones, were previously unclaimed due to being mishandled and abandoned by unscrupulous freight forwarders.
With the approval of the Department of Finance, the BOC declared the boxes forfeited and signed a deed of donation with DMW. The DMW is now tasked with ensuring that these long-delayed packages finally reach the families they were meant for.
“These boxes are more than just packages — they’re filled with love, hope and sacrifice,” said Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio.
“We know what these mean to our kababayans. With DMW’s help, we’re making sure they arrive where they belong,” he said.
DMW assistant secretary for reintegration Francis Ron De Guzman thanked the BOC for its sustained support. “The Bureau of Customs has always been there — from day one to day zero — helping us deliver this symbol of love and sacrifice,” he said.
The turnover followed months of coordination between BOC and DMW, starting in 2024. The DMW has since worked with a logistics provider to ensure the safe and prompt delivery of the boxes to their rightful beneficiaries.
