AS of 2014, there were around 10.5 million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), a number that is only increasing. Many Filipinos living abroad ship their families back home balikbayan boxes, large cardboard boxes filled with items from the foreign country that the sender believes the recipients would enjoy.
There are many things overseas Filipinos are allowed to put in their balikbayan box, but there are a number of favorites and staple items that they include. Though there are no statistics available on what Filipinos send back home, here are five things commonly found in balikbayan boxes:
(1) Food
Non-perishable goods are particularly on top of the list, particularly canned goods like spam, corned beef, and Vienna sausages for the reason that they can last the long journey home. Biscuits and chocolates are also sent, for the same reason that they contain preservatives that would avoid spoilage. One thing to note, though, that not many know that coffee —decaf or not, instant or for brewing — is prohibited.
(2) Clothes and shoes
Filipinos back home are somewhat inclined to US brand names, specifically shoes and clothes. American brands like Nike, Adidas, and Northface are some of the favorites. There is said to be a decline in sending clothing brands like Gap or Old Navy for the reason that most of these products are now mostly manufactured in Asia. Shoes, although a number of brands are already made in China, are still in demand.
On average, a pair of shoes may be slightly cheaper in the United States. Also, Filipinos abroad tend to have access to better quality clothing and shoes and can obtain them more easily at less cost than in the Philippines, especially when they buy them at outlet stores. Plus, they make great gifts for relatives.
(3) Personal and hygiene products
Personal and hygiene products such as soap, shampoo, lotion, toothpaste, cologne and even perfume are also sent home. Soap and hair products aren’t very expensive in the Philippines, but most people rarely buy imported brands.
Although these are not restricted items, many cargo companies do not encourage their clients to send bottled liquids as they may break and leak, causing to damage not only to the other items where they are packed into, but also to other boxes as well. This is why that they remind Filipinos to make sure liquids are sealed tightly, so they don’t spill in transit. Bottles can be placed in resealable bags or wrapped around the opening with tape to ensure they do not leak. For bottles made of fragile material like glass, cover them with bubble wrap.
(4) Toys
Like shoes and clothes, most toys in the US are made in China. Still, young children enjoy seeing new toys when they open a balikbayan box. Be sure not to send toy guns though, for they will be confiscated by customs.
(5) Electronics
Electronics like TVs, computers, cameras and game consoles are sent by overseas Filipinos to their families in the Philippines, as these tend to be cheaper in the US and have a wider selection. Although it is not advisable to send electronic items such as big screen TVs, laptops or desk top computers; balikbayans or returning Filipinos who wish to retire in the homeland try to ship these items.
The good news is that just last May, the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) was signed by former President Benigno Aquino III, increasing the tax-exempt value of items sent by overseas Filipinos from P10,000 to P150,000.
Furthermore, Filipinos who have stayed in a foreign country for at least 10 years and are returning to the Philippines, will also be granted a tax exemption for the personal and household effects, not exceeding P350,000.
As always, cargo companies remind their clients to carefully pack fragile items, declare their cargo truthfully in their packing list and to consider paying additional insurance to cover any damages that may happen while in transit. (AJPress)