Mandaluyong City: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC), alongside key government partners, have enhanced protection measures for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) against fraudulent freight forwarders through a Joint Administrative Order (JAO) focused on "balikbayan" boxes.
According to Philippines News Agency, the signing event took place at the DMW office in Mandaluyong City on Monday, where Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac highlighted that this joint order addresses widespread complaints from OFWs regarding undelivered, delayed, or lost balikbayan boxes. He emphasized that this initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to provide necessary assistance addressing the pressing needs and concerns of OFWs.
Cacdac stated that the Joint Administrative Order establishes a comprehensive framework to regulate the sea cargo forwarding industry, aiming to protect OFWs from scams and ensure that balikbayan boxes reach their intended destinations safely and promptly. The order also introduces a multi-agency complaints and monitoring system designed to expedite the reporting, tracking, and resolution of cases involving lost or delayed boxes.
A public education campaign will inform OFWs about avoiding unaccredited forwarders and educate them on their rights and options. Cacdac noted that these issues were discussed in hearings and investigations by the House of Representatives Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs (HCOWA), which, during its March 2025 hearing, revealed systemic problems such as gaps in regulation, enforcement, and grievance mechanisms.
The DMW and BOC co-led the Technical Working Group that formulated the order, in collaboration 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). Cacdac remarked that the JAO results from sustained collaboration and decisive legislative oversight.
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 rightful recipients, the families of OFWs.
For unrecovered boxes, affected OFWs may receive PHP30,000 in financial assistance through the AKSYON Fund, which now has expanded guidelines for faster and more inclusive support. Cacdac concluded that the JAO demonstrates the achievements possible when Congress provides clear direction, and agencies collaborate effectively, reflecting the essence of Bagong Pilipinas-working together, responding with compassion, and delivering results for the people.
