The Department of Finance and the Bureau of Customs have completed the delivery of all balikbayan boxes left by cargo handlers at the Ports of Manila and Davao, officials said on Tuesday.
Some 25,818 boxes were turned over to the families of overseas Filipino workers as of March 23, 2026. The operation follows a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to fast-track the release of shipments abandoned by freight forwarders across various Philippine ports.
Finance Secretary Frederick Go said during a distribution ceremony at the Port of Cebu on March 24 that the Bureau of Customs and the Department of Finance, along with the Department of Migrant Workers, are continuing to help return abandoned boxes to families.
Go said the government has a duty to ensure every box reaches its owner and that those responsible for misconduct are held accountable.
Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to prioritizing the speedy delivery of remaining shipments. He said the successful clearance of the Manila and Davao ports proves the large-scale operation is progressing smoothly.
Government data show that 13,842 boxes have been released in Cebu, 8,475 at the Manila International Container Port, 2,699 in Subic, 732 in Davao and 70 at the Port of Manila.
There are 15,084 boxes remaining for release, with 14,487 located at the Manila International Container Port and 498 in Cebu. The distribution held on Tuesday marked the final stage of deliveries for boxes previously stuck at the Port of Cebu.
Go and Nepomuceno led the Cebu distribution, facilitating the return of goods to 30 workers and their families. Go advised the public to remain vigilant and only transact with legitimate forwarding companies to prevent future delays.
The government has vowed to continue its efforts until all remaining boxes are delivered.
