MANILA — The government has begun distributing the first batch of the final wave of long-delayed balikbayan boxes, marking a major step in efforts to ensure thousands of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) finally receive their shipments.

Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Frederick D. Go and Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno personally led the distribution on February 18, 2026, at the BOC grounds in Port Area, Manila. Twenty-eight OFWs and their families received their long-awaited boxes during the event.

The initiative is funded through the approval of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and forms part of the administration’s commitment to address abandoned shipments and strengthen safeguards for OFWs.

The final wave covers 72 containers estimated to contain 24,536 balikbayan boxes. Of these, 14 containers have already been released from the Manila International Container Port (MICP), while 58 remain under processing pending completion of documentary requirements and the waiver of port charges.

The first wave, launched on December 18, 2025, covered 68 containers carrying 20,944 boxes. As of the latest data, 14,305 of those have been successfully delivered door-to-door to their rightful consignees.

Secretary Go said the government has secured the necessary funding to ensure the completion of deliveries, emphasizing that OFWs should not suffer due to freight forwarders’ failures or systemic lapses.

Commissioner Nepomuceno, for his part, said the Bureau is committed not only to releasing the remaining boxes but also to implementing reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.

“This is about restoring trust and protecting our OFWs,” Nepomuceno said, noting that stricter documentation, improved coordination with logistics partners, and closer monitoring are now in place.

The BOC said all releases are being conducted in accordance with established customs procedures, including proper documentation and inspection before turnover.

In parallel with the distribution, the DOF and BOC are assisting affected OFWs in filing criminal complaints before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) against erring freight forwarders to ensure accountability.

Authorities also reminded OFWs to transact only with licensed and reputable freight forwarders, keep copies of official receipts and tracking numbers, verify the company’s registration, and be cautious of unusually low shipping rates.

The DOF and BOC said they will continue processing the remaining containers and coordinate with stakeholders to complete the delivery of all abandoned balikbayan boxes while pursuing reforms to promote transparency and accountability in the freight forwarding sector.

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