The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), under the leadership of Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, has successfully managed the release and distribution of 42 ‘balikbayan’ boxes to their intended recipients on Wednesday. These packages, sent by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from around the world, had been stuck in transit for months, causing distress among the senders.
The DMW’s efforts came after numerous complaints from OFWs on social media, including a poignant plea from Cherry Liz, an OFW in Thailand, who reported her box from March 2024 was still held up at the Bureau of Customs (BOC). Secretary Cacdac promised to address these issues during a House hearing on February 4, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to support OFWs.
In a coordinated effort with the BOC, the DMW retrieved the boxes from a warehouse in Valenzuela City and ensured their delivery to families in Cavite, Batangas, and Negros Occidental. Throughout 2024, the DMW facilitated the delivery of nearly 10,000 ‘balikbayan’ boxes, showcasing their commitment to resolving shipment delays.
Assistant Secretaries Venecio Legaspi and Francis Ron De Guzman, along with Director Jun Aguilar of the Foreign Stakeholders Relations and Engagement Bureau, have been instrumental in these efforts. The DMW also offers financial assistance through the AKSYON Fund to OFWs affected by ‘balikbayan’ box scams.
The successful delivery of these boxes brings relief and hope to OFWs like Jess Selby from the United Arab Emirates, who expressed gratitude for the action taken, highlighting the struggles OFWs endure to send these packages home.