DMW, BOC ink deal to protect OFWs from ‘balikbayan’ box scams, delays

JOINT ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER. The Department of Migrant Workers on Monday (June 9, 2025) signs a joint administrative order on balikbayan boxes in Mandaluyong City, together with officials from the Bureau of Customs, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Department of Finance, and the Department of Trade and Industry. The order aims to regulate the sea cargo forwarding industry, protect overseas Filipino workers from scams, and ensure balikbayan boxes reach their destination safely and on time. (Photo: Department of Migrant Workers/Facebook)

MANILA – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC), together with key government partners, have strengthened protection for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) against fraudulent freight forwarders through a Joint Administrative Order (JAO) on “balikbayan” boxes.

During the signing event at the DMW office in Mandaluyong City on Monday, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the joint order comes amid widespread complaints from OFWs about undelivered, delayed, or lost balikbayan boxes.

He said the move is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to provide all the necessary assistance to the OFWs’ pressing needs and concerns.

“The Joint Administrative Order establishes a whole-of-government framework to regulate the sea cargo forwarding industry, protect OFWs from scams, and ensure balikbayan boxes reach their destination safely and on time,” he added.

Cacdac said the joint order also establishes a multi-agency complaints and monitoring system designed to fast-track reporting, tracking, and resolution of cases involving lost or delayed boxes.

A public education campaign will further alert OFWs to avoid unaccredited forwarders and inform them of their rights and options.

Cacdac said these issues were the subject of hearings and investigations by the House of Representatives Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs (HCOWA).

During the committee’s March 2025 hearing, systemic problems were exposed, including gaps in regulation, enforcement, and grievance mechanisms.

The DMW and the BOC co-led the Technical Working Group that crafted the order, collaborating with the Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Transportation (DOTr), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

“This JAO is the result of sustained collaboration and decisive legislative oversight,” Cacdac said.

Since 2023, the DMW and BOC have facilitated the retrieval and delivery of over 9,900 balikbayan boxes.

On May 29, the DMW received 2,954 balikbayan boxes from the BOC at the Port of Davao, for distribution to the families of OFWs, their rightful recipients.

For unrecovered boxes, affected OFWs may receive PHP30,000 in financial assistance through the AKSYON Fund, which now features expanded guidelines for faster and more inclusive support.

“This JAO shows what can be achieved when Congress provides clear direction, and agencies come together in convergence. This is what Bagong Pilipinas is all about, working together, responding with compassion, and getting results for our people,” Cacdac said.