The Department of Finance (DOF) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) have fully completed the delivery of all balikbayan boxes left by cargo handlers in the Ports of Manila and Davao, with a total of 25,818 boxes turned over to overseas Filipino workers’ (OFWs) families as of March 23, 2026.
The operation is part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to fast-track the release and delivery of shipments abandoned by freight forwarders across various ports.
“Patuloy ang Bureau of Customs at ang Department of Finance, kasama ang Department of Migrant Workers [DMW], sa pagtulong para maibalik ang mga abandoned boxes sa mga pamilya,” Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go said in his message during the balikbayan box distribution at the Port of Cebu on March 24, 2026.
He emphasized the government’s duty to ensure that every hard-earned balikbayan box reaches its rightful owner and that those responsible for any misconduct are held accountable.
With this, Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno reaffirmed the BOC’s commitment to prioritize the speedy delivery of the remaining balikbayan boxes, citing the successful clearance of the ports of Manila and Davao as evidence that the large-scale operation is progressing smoothly.
Commissioner Nepomuceno also assured the public that the BOC will now focus on the Manila International Container Port (MICP) and Port of Cebu to complete all remaining deliveries.
Based on the latest data, 13,842 boxes have been released in Cebu, 8,475 at the MICP, 2,699 in Subic, 732 in Davao, and 70 at the Port of Manila.
A total of 15,084 boxes remain scheduled for release, primarily from MICP (14,487) and a smaller portion from Cebu (498).
The distribution marked the final stage of delivering the remaining balikbayan boxes that have been abandoned at the Port of Cebu.
Secretary Go and Commissioner Nepomuceno led the distribution in Cebu, facilitating the return of the boxes to 30 OFWs and their families. Families have expressed relief after finally receiving their shipments.
Secretary Go advised the public to remain vigilant and to only transact with legitimate box forwarding companies to prevent similar problems in the future.
The government vowed that it will continue its efforts until all remaining balikbayan boxes are successfully delivered to their rightful owners.
