The Bureau of Customs (BOC) unveiled the Balikbayan Action Center (BAC) on Saturday, a dedicated initiative to protect the shipments of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and ensure their “balikbayan” boxes are processed with integrity and efficiency, Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno announced.
The BAC aims to address longstanding concerns over the handling of balikbayan boxes—packages sent by Filipinos abroad to their families, often filled with canned goods, toys, clothes, shoes, and other personal items, especially during the holiday season. The move underscores the bureau’s commitment to supporting the millions of OFWs whose remittances and gifts are vital to their families and the Philippine economy.
“This initiative demonstrates our firm resolve to protect the interests of overseas Filipinos,” Nepomuceno said in a statement. “By ensuring that balikbayan boxes are treated with fairness and transparency, we honor their sacrifices and reaffirm our duty to serve them better.”
The center, led by the Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group (AOCG), will include representatives from the Port Operations Service, the Public Information and Assistance Division, and other key offices. The Assistant Commissioner of the Post Clearance Audit Group will serve as the BAC’s spokesperson.
The BAC’s mandate includes researching and analyzing issues related to balikbayan box processing, adopting global best practices to enhance transparency and efficiency, and collaborating with other government agencies to address concerns comprehensively. Nepomuceno directed the group to submit an initial report within 30 days, followed by monthly updates to ensure accountability.
The initiative goes beyond the BOC’s core mission of trade facilitation, border control, and revenue collection, signaling a broader commitment to the welfare of overseas Filipinos. For many OFWs, balikbayan boxes are more than just packages—they are tangible expressions of love and support for loved ones back home.
The creation of the BAC comes amid recurring complaints about delays, mishandling, and inconsistent customs processes, which have frustrated Filipino communities abroad. By establishing a dedicated center, the BOC aims to restore confidence and deliver lasting solutions for OFWs and their families.
