Filipinos Overseas and their families can expect better access to information and assistance on Balikbayan boxes and other shipment concerns under a new partnership between the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO).
The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed by BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno and CFO Chairperson Secretary Dante Francis Ang II.
Through the agreement, the BOC and CFO will work together to help overseas Filipinos better understand customs rules and requirements when sending Balikbayan boxes and other shipments to the Philippines.
The two agencies will also strengthen efforts to educate the public on proper documentation, prohibited and restricted goods, and ways to avoid fraudulent shipping schemes.
“Through this partnership, we want to ensure that they have access to reliable information on customs requirements, proper shipping practices, and available government assistance whenever concerns arise.”
“Marami sa ating mga Filipinos Overseas ang regular na nagpapadala ng Balikbayan boxes para sa kanilang mga pamilya. Through this partnership, we want to ensure that they have access to reliable information on customs requirements, proper shipping practices, and available government assistance whenever concerns arise,” Nepomuceno said.
A key component of the partnership is the enhancement of coordination on concerns involving Balikbayan boxes, including shipments that are missing, delayed, damaged, tampered with, or not delivered. Through clearer referral procedures, Filipinos overseas and their families will have better access to information on the appropriate channels for assistance and guidance.
To help reach more Filipinos overseas, the BOC and CFO will conduct joint information campaigns, share customs advisories and updates, and participate in stakeholder engagements, and conduct capacity-building initiatives on customs-related processes and concerns.
“Through this MOA, we can connect those two strengths.”
“Through this MOA, we can connect those two strengths. The Bureau of Customs can provide authoritative and updated guidance on Balikbayan boxes, cargo-forwarding concerns, humanitarian donations, prohibited and restricted goods, documentation requirements, and other customs procedures,” Ang explained.
“The CFO, in turn, can help bring that information directly to our constituents through our official platforms, orientation programs, Community Education Program, Migration Talks, and our continuing engagement with Filipino communities overseas,” he added.
The two agencies will likewise establish a Joint Technical Working Group (TWG) to develop implementing guidelines, coordination procedures, referral mechanisms, and other measures necessary to carry out the objectives of the agreement.
The partnership will further strengthen efforts to help overseas Filipinos make informed decisions when sending shipments to the Philippines by promoting awareness of customs regulations, responsible shipping practices, and available government services.
“Alinsunod sa direktiba ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na ilapit ang serbisyo ng pamahalaan sa mamamayan, patuloy nating pinalalakas ang pakikipagtulungan sa iba’t ibang ahensya upang mas mapagsilbihan ang ating mga kababayan saan man sila naroroon,” Nepomuceno stressed.
Through the partnership, the BOC and CFO reaffirm their commitment to helping Filipinos overseas gain better access to government information and assistance when needed.
