AFTER 3 YEARS, OFW FAMILIES IN KIDAPAWAN CITY FINALLY RECEIVE BALIKBAYAN BOXES FROM KUWAIT

AFTER nearly three years, balikbayan boxes finally were delivered to  three overseas Filipino workers’ (OFW) families in Kidapawan City .

Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac personally handed over the long-delayed balikbayan boxes—symbols of the sacrifices made by OFWs for their families back home.

Among the recipients was a family who received two boxes from Kuwait, packed with hard-earned goods.

“Nagapasalamat ko sa DMW kay nakuha na nako ang balikbayan box na gi hagoan sa akong anak sa abroad madamo gid nga salamat,” Alma A. Rios, mother of an OFW in Kuwait, said. 

According to Cacdac, the boxes are not just material goods, they are the fruits of the loved ones’ labor and sacrifice.

“For every balikbayan box delivered safely, a family’s dignity is restored, and a promise is fulfilled,” said Cacdac, who led the turnover of the balikbayan boxes.

The turnover was made possible through the coordination of the DMW, Bureau of Customs (BOC), Overseas Workers and Welfare Administration (OWWA), and other concerned agencies, following the recent signing of a Joint Administrative Order and Deed of Donation to address undelivered and fraudulent balikbayan shipments. 

The initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to uphold the rights and welfare of OFWs and their families.

Cacdac was joined by DMW Regional Directors Ma. Catalina Agdamag, Samsudin Lintongan, and Augusto B. San Diego III, personnel from OWWA, representatives from Kidapawan City Janice Baldivieso  and the City OFW Federation, and local government officials, including  Herminia C. Infanta, PESO manager, who expressed full support for the DMW’s efforts.

The DMW stepped in to resolve the issue of long-delayed and undelivered balikbayan boxes.

Cacdad said they wanted to ensure the balikbayan boxes finally reached their rightful recipients.

The move also aims to prevent future cases of fraud and neglect.