The Department of Finance (DOF) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) announced significant progress in the nationwide delivery of abandoned Balikbayan boxes, following a distribution activity held at the Port of Cebu on March 24, 2026.
As of March 23, 2026, authorities confirmed that all abandoned boxes left by freight forwarders at the Port of Manila and Port of Davao have been successfully delivered. In total, 25,818 boxes have reached their intended beneficiaries across the country. The initiative is part of a directive from Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to expedite the release and delivery of undelivered packages at major ports.
In a statement, Frederick D. Go emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families.
“The Bureau of Customs and the Department of Finance, together with the DMW, continue to assist in returning abandoned boxes to their families. We will not let our OFWs be fooled. The government will ensure that their hard-earned remittances are protected,” Go said.
He underscored the government’s duty to ensure that every package reaches its rightful recipient and stressed that those who exploit OFWs must be held accountable. Coordination among concerned agencies remains ongoing to accelerate remaining deliveries.
Meanwhile, BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno reported that the agency is prioritizing the swift delivery of all remaining shipments. He described the completion of deliveries in Manila and Davao as a major milestone, signaling that the nationwide operation is progressing steadily. The BOC will now focus efforts on the Manila International Container Port (MICP) and the Port of Cebu.
Latest figures show that deliveries include:
- 13,842 boxes in Cebu
- 8,475 boxes at MICP
- 2,699 boxes in Subic
- 732 boxes in Davao
- 70 boxes at the Port of Manila
A total of 15,084 boxes are still scheduled for delivery, the majority from MICP (14,487) and the remainder bound for Cebu (498).
The Cebu distribution marked the final phase for boxes abandoned at the Port of Cebu, with Go and Nepomuceno personally leading the turnover of shipments to 30 OFWs and their families.
Recipients expressed relief and gratitude upon receiving their long-awaited packages. The DOF and BOC assured the public that efforts will continue until all remaining boxes are delivered, with close monitoring of ongoing operations.
Authorities also reminded OFWs and their families to transact only with legitimate freight forwarding companies to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to complete the delivery of all remaining Balikbayan boxes and to uphold the welfare and trust of Filipino workers abroad.
