Fewer balikbayan boxes sent to Philippines in 2020 but some cargo firms enjoy uptick

The total number of Balikbayan boxes that were shipped to the Philippines this year amid the coronavirus pandemic dipped by 5 to 10 percent compared to 2019, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said Thursday.

According to Maki Pulido’s “24 Oras” report, however, some door-to-door cargo companies have been enjoying an uptick in shipments despite the slight drop.

One cargo company delivered 30 balikbayan boxes around Quezon City on Thursday alone.

The Door-To-Door Consolidator Association of the Philippines also said the peak season for the delivery of balikbayan boxes started earlier this year compared to 2019.

“This year, Mayo pa lang nagsimula na,” Joel Longares said.

Meanwhile, the BOC urged overseas Filipinos to use forwarders on the Department of Trade and Industry’s list that can be accessed online.

“It’s as simple as having your tracking number, going to the website, putting it there, and then makikita mo na nasaan ‘yung status ng balikbayan box mo,” Customs spokesman Vincent Maronilla said. -Julia Ornedo/MDM, GMA News