BOC -Iloilo facilitates distribution of abandoned balikbayan boxes
Manila, Philippines – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Iloilo facilitated the distribution of balikbayan boxes to recipients in Iloilo, Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Negros Occidental, and Guimaras.
The Port received on December 27, 2022 two containers with 164 balikbayan boxes abandoned by its deconsolidator.
As of January 5, Customs said 72 boxes were claimed at the BOC office in Iloilo City, 16 were forwarded to the Sub-Port of Pulupandan, and 35 were distributed in the provinces of Antique and Capiz.
The Port of Iloilo, under District Collector Ciriaco Ugay and its OPLAN Balik Boxes to Kababayan – Team Iloilo, likewise assured the affected families of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) that the Port would continue to fastrack the release of the 40 remaining packages by January 6.
In a statement, BOC said that prompt distribution of balikbayan boxes was part of Customs Commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz’s pledge to help OFW relatives following President Ferdinand Marcos’ commitment to safeguarding the welfare of OFWs and their families.