In a significant move demonstrating the government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), the Bureau of Customs (BOC), through the Port of Davao, on Thursday, turned over 2,954 abandoned balikbayan boxes to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
The event, held in Davao City, marks a pivotal step in ensuring these symbols of love and sacrifice finally reach their rightful recipients.
The boxes, originally sent by OFWs to their families in the Philippines, were left unclaimed at the Port of Davao after being mishandled and abandoned by unscrupulous freight forwarders. Following approval from the Department of Finance, the BOC declared the boxes forfeited and officially donated them to the DMW through a signed Deed of Donation. The DMW will now oversee the crucial task of distributing these packages.
This initiative directly aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to prioritize the welfare of OFWs and deliver compassionate, people-centered public service. It underscores the government’s continuing efforts to protect the rights and welfare of OFWs and their families.
BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio emphasized the BOC’s central role in this undertaking. “These boxes are more than just packages — they’re filled with love, hope, and sacrifice,” said Commissioner Rubio. “We know how much these mean to our kababayans. That’s why we made it our mission to return them. With DMW’s help, we’re making sure they finally reach the homes they were meant for.”
District Collector Maita S. Acevedo of the Port of Davao echoed this sentiment, stating that the donation reflects the agency’s deep respect and recognition for OFWs and their families. Through her message, delivered by Deputy Collector for Operations–Port of Davao, Atty. Giovanni Ferdinand A. Leynes, Collector Acevedo highlighted, “These balikbayan boxes are testament to the quiet resilience of our modern-day heroes. Sa ahensyang ito, hindi lamang tayo tagapangalaga ng kalakalan. Tayo rin ay kaagapay sa paghahatid ng pag-asa lalo na sa ating mga bagong bayani.”
DMW Assistant Secretary for Reintegration, Atty. Francis Ron C. De Guzman expressed profound gratitude to the BOC for their tireless cooperation. “Allow me first to acknowledge our esteemed partners for today’s meeting. And when I say partner, talaga namang nandiyan. The Bureau of Customs has always been there from day one to day zero, assisting us, helping us to deliver the symbol of hope, symbol of love to the overseas Filipino workers and their families,” he remarked.
The ceremonial turnover was the culmination of months of sustained coordination and hard work, which began when the BOC proactively reached out to the DMW in 2024. The BOC undertook deliberate steps, from securing legal clearances to overseeing documentation and handling logistics, to ensure the lawful and proper release of the abandoned boxes.
Moving forward, the DMW will facilitate the distribution and delivery of the boxes to the intended OFW beneficiaries and their families through an identified logistics company, ensuring careful handling and prompt delivery.
Under the leadership of Commissioner Rubio, the BOC continues to pursue reforms that extend beyond traditional trade and enforcement, demonstrating that customs service can be both efficient and compassionate by aligning its efforts with the needs of the Filipino people.
