In a significant step toward enhancing support for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and optimizing government services for migrant Filipinos, the Department of Finance (DOF) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) proudly spearheaded the signing of a Joint Administrative Order (JAO) on 09 June 2025. This landmark agreement, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to safeguard the welfare of OFWs, aims to strengthen regulatory oversight for foreign and domestic sea cargo freight forwarders responsible for handling Balikbayan Boxes.

Developed with the invaluable input and concurrence of key agencies including the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), the JAO addresses persistent challenges related to the delivery, security, and timely release of Balikbayan Boxes. These packages are recognized as vital conduits of support from OFWs to their families across the Philippines.

This crucial initiative was pursued following the directive and recommendation from the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs, chaired by Representative Jude Acidre, with significant contributions from Committee member, OFW Party-list Representative Marissa Magsino. Cong. Acidre expressed his strong support for this measure, emphasizing the urgent need to protect the rights and welfare of OFWs and their families.

Balikbayan Boxes transcend mere shipments; they embody the profound love, sacrifice, and dedication of millions of OFWs. Recognizing their significance, the JAO establishes uniform standards, clear accountabilities, and streamlined coordination among all stakeholders within the logistics chain. This order is designed to mitigate delays, prevent mishandling, and curb abuses by unscrupulous freight forwarders and deconsolidators.

Under the exemplary leadership of Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, and guidance of DOF Secretary Ralph G. Recto, the BOC will assume a pivotal role in the comprehensive enforcement of this order. This encompasses the issuance of clear rules and regulations for the registration of deconsolidators as third-party service providers, precisely defining their responsibilities, and ensuring unwavering compliance through rigorous supervision and control. To foster absolute transparency, the BOC will also regularly publish and meticulously update a comprehensive list of registered deconsolidators and affiliated foreign consolidators on its official website, thereby empowering OFWs to make informed and confident decisions when sending their boxes home.

In his keynote message, delivered by Assessment Operations and Coordinating Group Deputy Commissioner Atty. Vener S. Baquiran, Commissioner Rubio conveyed his unequivocal support for this initiative, underscoring that the protection of OFWs’ Balikbayan Boxes is not merely a professional obligation but a profound moral responsibility.

“The BOC is committed to going beyond our core mandate by streamlining processes and working closely with partner agencies to ensure the prompt and proper release of Balikbayan Boxes. These shipments symbolize the trust of our overseas workers—and we must honor that trust through efficiency, fairness, and integrity,” he stated.

The BOC also extended its profound gratitude to the DMW for its steadfast support and dedicated advocacy in protecting the rights of OFWs.

Through this exemplary collaborative endeavor, the government, under the distinguished leadership of President Marcos, unequivocally reaffirms its steadfast commitment to protecting the welfare of OFWs and preserving the integrity of the long-cherished Filipino tradition of sending Balikbayan Boxes.