Beyond the material things, how can Filipinos ensure the safe delivery of their Balikbayan boxes

To which courier do you entrust the sent balikbayan boxes in the Philippines? Learn about the experiences and sentiments of Filipinos on this matter.

Dexy Molo from Mindanao and Xersudin Custodio from Luzon share their experiences and sentiments over the security of sending Balikbayan boxes to the Philippines. Credit: Dexy Molo, XersudinCustodio (Facebook), Annalyn Violata

Key Points

• Dexy Molo sends balikbayan boxes to her family in Mindanao three to four times a year because, aside from it being her dream, she wants to express her love to the family. This prompts her to work doubly hard in Australia.
• Xersudin Custodio's family had experienced losing a balikbayan box from another country before. That's why he calls on the government to investigate and penalize the illegitimate forwarder deceiving OFWs.
• Experts advise researching legitimate and reputable forwarding companies. The Bureau of Customs will release a list within the first three months of 2024, indicating accredited consolidators and forwarding companies. This aims to guide OFWs on whom to trust with their balikbayan boxes.