The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has announced the creation of the Balikbayan Action Center (BAC) to protect overseas Filipino workers’ (OFWs) shipments and guarantee that "balikbayan" boxes are handled with integrity and efficiency.
According to Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, the BAC reinforces the bureau’s commitment to assist overseas Filipinos by addressing recurring concerns on balikbayan box processing and implementing reforms that restore confidence in customs procedures.
“This initiative demonstrates our firm resolve to protect the interests of overseas Filipinos. By ensuring that balikbayan boxes are treated with fairness and transparency, we honor their sacrifices and reaffirm our duty to serve them better,” he said in a statement.
The center’s responsibilities include in-depth research and analysis of concerns related to balikbayan boxes in customs processes, identifying best practices from other countries to improve efficiency, transparency, and fairness, exploring collaboration with other government agencies, and implementing initiatives necessary to fully address balikbayan box-related concerns, along with other functions prescribed in the memorandum.
The BAC will be headed by the Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group (AOCG), with the Assistant Commissioner, Post Clearance Audit Group (PCAG) serving as spokesperson, and members from the Port Operations Service, the Public Information and Assistance Division (PIAD), and other relevant offices.
Nepomuceno also directed the group to submit an initial report within 30 days of receipt of the memorandum, followed by monthly updates, to ensure accountability.
He said by adopting this measure, the bureau demonstrates its resolve to pursue lasting solutions that go beyond its core mandate to enhance trade facilitation, strengthen border control, and improve collection of lawful revenues, by extending its efforts to safeguard the welfare of overseas Filipinos.
Overseas Filipinos, either working or living abroad, usually send balikbayan boxes to their families in the country, particularly during the holiday season.
The boxes often contain canned goods, toys, clothes, shoes, and other personal items.
BOC PHOTO
