Monitoring of ‘balikbayan’ boxes goes digital in Port of Davao

The monitoring of “balikbayan” boxes entering the Port of Davao has been made easier with the implementation of the digital storing of information of these packages.

The Bureau of Customs-Port of Davao is now using the Balikbayan Box Monitoring System (BBMS) that is designed to simplify the clearance procedures for these boxes.

The new system ensures that the principles, standards, and regulations set are implemented well, the BOC said.

BBMS, according to Liberty Plana, chief of the Systems Development Division of Management Information Systems Technology Group (MISTG), will allow the information pertaining to the contents of the balikbayan boxes to be made electronically available to authorized customs officers.

This means that the number of balikbayan boxes that were sent during the year, and the total amount of the boxes are now being properly monitored.

The system will also allow quick retrieval of information as the data filled by the OFW in the required information sheets are now stored digitally.

The BBMS was developed by the Systems Development Division of MISTG which is tasked to implement Information Systems that helps the bureau in delivering faster service while still adhering to the best practices set by the law.

Earlier, Customs Commissioner Faeldon reiterated that monitoring the balikbayan boxes was a measure intended to protect them and their privileges from smugglers who are “starting to use the names of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in transporting their contrabands into the country through balikbayan boxes.”