Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) refer to Filipinos that lives and work in another country. Most OFWs move overseas temporarily for work, while their family members remain in the Philippines. While OFWs are abroad, their families attempt to remain in touch with them; they often do this by sending care packages abroad from the Philippines. On the other hand, OFWs also ship packages back to their families in the Philippines with treats and essentials from their country of residence.
In this article, we first discuss OFWs and their importance to the Philippines economy. We then explain the types of care packages OFWs send their loved ones back home and the challenges they face when shipping overseas.
OFW families statistics: how many Filipinos work overseas?
OFWs are considered essential in the national context as their remittances assist in keeping the Philippine economy afloat. In 2019, foreign remittances amounted to a staggering US$33.5 billion and comprised 9.3% of the country’s GDP.
According to the Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA), an estimated 1.77 million Filipinos worked abroad in 2020, among whom, women were the majority (59.6%). Most female OFWs work as nannies, caretakers, nurses, and housekeepers. The remittances sent by these OFWs amounted to an estimated 134.77 billion pesos. As a result, many Filippino brands have expanded their operations overseas to cater to this large population working abroad.
Care packages sent by OFWs to loved ones
Sometimes OFWs are not able to afford the finances or the time to return home regularly. Hence, they express their love towards their families from afar, by sending a care package. These care packages are called balikbayan boxes. OFWs fill these boxes with various items, ranging from eatables to basic necessities. While most of these items are indeed available in the Philippines, overseas workers send them as a means of expressing their affection for their families. Typically, care packages shipped from abroad include the following:
- Canned foods
- Chocolates
- Candy
- Shoes
- Clothes
- Second-hand electronics
- Detergent
- Perfume
- Cosmetics and beauty products
- Kitchen equipment
- Soaps and shampoos
- Toys
- Wine and liquor
Challenges of shipping care packages internationally
However, when OFWs send these packages to friends and family, they face certain challenges and risks. This section discusses these concerns.
1. Customs duties
The Philippines, like most other countries, imposes taxes and customs duties on products entering the country, if the total value of th products exceeds a certain limit. Many OFWs have had the unfortunate experience of sending packages abroad, only to have their recipients face extensive paperwork and tax payments in order for these gifts to clear customs. This creates hassle and costs time and money.
