My sister in Canada once told me that it would take her several days or even weeks to fill in the balikbayan boxes, ready for sending here. Adding to this is the hard work that she put in just to have these items bought and boxed. At home, we didn't realize this because we are into finding out what and how many items would be ours, especially when these items are unlabeled to intended recipients. Probably for us here, we are just too excited for the long wait would come to an end. But what would happen when once these boxes have arrived, we found out that these are tampered or some items are missing.
Last few days, the Bureau of Custom's policy to conduct random inspections on balikbayan boxes has received the wide displeasure especially by those who have relatives abroad. Such move, the BOC said, "was after smugglers who had resorted to using the balikbayan boxes and consolidated shipments to smuggle contraband into the country through fake consignees or through the insertion of smuggled boxes or goods, otherwise known as riders, in consolidated shipments."
Subjecting balikbayan boxes to random inspection is nothing compared to making sure in going after big time smugglers. What the agency should do is to strengthen their intelligence force and not to resort this desperate move. Why not really go after those unscrupulous smugglers and larger shipments without necessarily affecting the privilege enjoyed by OFWs? Why not ensuring from the very source that these boxes would be away from unscrupulous insertions of illegal goods and not so late when boxes are sealed and shipped already to the Philippine shores?
It cannot be denied, just a simple reminder of the magnitude of the OFWs' contribution and sacrifices in foreign lands as well as bringing of considerable amounts of foreign exchange annually that contributed to our national coffer. It is correct to say that such a symbol of hardwork and sacrifice of an OFW is the balikbayan box.
Culturally, it is indeed a Filipino practice whose family members working abroad would send anything that would somehow show how we value our families. Long been practiced ever since probably when some of our forebears have started to migrate to other countries and found their new place in a foreign land.
Sending of balikbayan boxes has become a way to bond families. It strengthens the bond with the immediate family, relatives, and friends. It would remind those at home the generosity of heart of those traveling and working abroad. This is at the same time associates to a status symbol, indicating one's ability to provide others who have less back home. In one's neighborhood, we would know that such family has loved ones working abroad when we spot balikbayan boxes in the corner.
Corollary to this, it is generally a Filipino practice especially when one travels and so he is expected to bring something for the loved ones. Those at home would expect to receive anything uncommon to their place. For instance, anything that a place is known for would find its way to the traveler's home when he comes back.
Last Monday, the President has ordered that there will be no more random or arbitrary physical inspection of balikbayan boxes. He added that balikbayan boxes should undergo mandatory X-ray and K-9 examination at no cost to the sender, and only when there are derogatory findings will there be a physical inspection of the balikbayan boxes.-ending the inconsiderate policy.
The power of social media has made the change in policy within a day. This shows that when such a call for change is tremendous to a government that truly listens, change is very possible. This is people's triumph.