What are Balikbayan Boxes
The following is sourced from the Philippines Customs Government website
Balikbayan Boxes are packages of personal effects and/or “pasalubongs” sent by Filipinos residing or working abroad to their families or relatives in the Philippines to enhance Philippine tradition and culture for the promotion and preservation of strong family ties through love and caring expressed in gift-giving.
What is allowed in a Balikbayan Box
Non-commercial goods or goods not in commercial quantity strictly for personal use only, such as: wearing apparel, clothing, foodstuffs/grocery items/canned goods; the value of which must not exceed US$500.00.
Any excess, over the total exemption allowance, is subject to 50% duty and 12% tax.
How often can Filipinos residing or working abroad send a Balikbayan Box to their Families and Relatives in the Philippines
One consignor/sender is allowed to send one (1) box during a six (6) -month period.
More…customs.gov.ph/balikbayan-boxes
I hope that they will take good care of the balikbayan boxes and don’t even try to open that boxes, because that is for the family of all Filipinos that is working abroad. Filipinos in abroad are working hard to sustain and give the needs of their family here in the Philippines. Through that I can say that they can be also a hero, because they are not just working for their family, but they also work for their country as well, because they are also the one that bring dollars here in the Philippines.