The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has partnered with the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) so Filipinos abroad and their families can expect better access to information and assistance on Balikbayan boxes and other shipment concerns.

The partnership was formalized through a memorandum of agreement signed by BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno and CFO Chairperson Secretary Dante Francis "Klink" Ang II.

Under the agreement, the two agencies will work together to help overseas Filipinos better understand customs rules and requirements when sending Balikbayan boxes and other shipments to the Philippines. They will also strengthen efforts to educate the public on proper documentation, prohibited and restricted goods, and ways to avoid fraudulent shipping schemes.

"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.

“Through this memorandum of agreement, 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 said.

"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," Ang added.

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.

The two agencies will likewise establish a joint technical working group 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.