The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has launched an online tracking portal to allow families of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to monitor the door-to-door delivery of long-delayed “balikbayan” boxes, many of which had been abandoned at ports for months or even years.
In a social media announcement, the BOC directed the public to access the portal at https://customs.gov.ph/home/overseas-filipino-worker-ofw/ to check the status of their shipments. Users can view key details such as the Bill of Lading number, container number, consolidator, de-consolidator, country of origin and current delivery status.
The agency emphasized that no fees are required for the delivery of the boxes and that the website is being continuously updated as each phase of the door-to-door rollout progresses. For inquiries, recipients are advised to email bayanibox@customs.gov.ph.
The initiative follows through on directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to facilitate the release and distribution of approximately 130,000 abandoned balikbayan boxes as a holiday gesture to OFWs and their families. The free delivery program officially began on Dec. 18, with a target completion in early January 2026.
BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno earlier led an inspection and ceremonial distribution of the boxes at a facility in the Port of Manila. The shipments, primarily from Middle Eastern countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, had been left unclaimed after some freight forwarders and de-consolidators failed to settle required duties, taxes and other charges, leading to their declaration as abandoned.
The boxes, often containing personal effects such as clothing, shoes and other household items, represent years of hard work and sacrifice by OFWs. Some had been held at ports for as long as two years.
The door-to-door delivery is being implemented under the Balikbayan and OFW Action Center (BOAC), one of Nepomuceno’s key programs aimed at addressing longstanding complaints from OFWs about irresponsible freight forwarders. The BOC is coordinating with the Department of Finance, Department of Migrant Workers and other agencies to expedite the process nationwide.
The government has shouldered the estimated P30 million in logistical costs to ensure the deliveries proceed free of charge, underscoring the administration’s commitment to honoring the contributions of the country’s “modern-day heroes.”
OFWs and their families have welcomed the move, with many expressing gratitude and renewed hope that their packages will finally reach their intended recipients this holiday season. The BOC continues to urge the public to select reputable and accredited freight forwarders to prevent future scams and delays involving balikbayan shipments.
