MANILA — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) launched door-to-door delivery of Overseas Filipino Workers’ (OFWs) balikbayan boxes abandoned by some freight forwarding companies, after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. approved funds for the immediate distribution of these packages to families.

The initiative is part of the Balikbayan and OFW Action Center (BOAC), a flagship program of BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno aimed at addressing long-standing complaints from OFWs about irresponsible practices by certain freight forwarders that caused delays and abandonment of their parcels.

Commissioner Nepomuceno, along with BOC officials and staff, led an inspection and ceremonial distribution to symbolize the agency’s concrete action in resolving the issue.

“Isa ito sa mga problemang agad nating tinutukan sa pagsisimula ng ating panunungkulan. Batid natin ang sakripisyo ng ating mga OFW, at bawat balikbayan box ay bunga ng kanilang pagsusumikap para sa pamilya,” Nepomuceno said.

Deputy Commissioner Michael C. Fermin, chairperson of BOAC, said the BOC continues to coordinate with the Department of Finance, Department of Migrant Workers, and other agencies to expedite the delivery of balikbayan boxes.

“Ang distribusyon ng mga balikbayan boxes na ito ay libre. Wala pong dapat bayaran. Anumang humihingi ng bayad ay maaaring isumbong sa Bureau of Customs,” Fermin said.

Nepomuceno thanked President Marcos and Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go for supporting the program, which ensures that OFWs feel the government’s care and concern.

OFWs expressed gratitude and relief over the initiative. Rachel Parfan, an OFW who has long waited for more than ten balikbayan boxes to reach her family, said, “Hindi namin inakalang mapapansin ang aming sitwasyon. Ang personal na pakikipag-usap at ang katiyakang hindi masasayang ang aming pinaghirapan ay napakalaking bagay para sa amin.”

The BOC emphasized that the program is part of a broader and ongoing advocacy to protect OFWs, hold abusive freight forwarders accountable, and ensure that the sacrifices of the country’s “new heroes” are not wasted. The agency also reminded the public to be vigilant and verify that freight forwarders are legitimate and credible before entrusting them with their parcels.