A Filipino overseas worker has taken to social media to share her disappointment after a balikbayan box she sent from the Netherlands to the Philippines arrived nearly six months later with several items missing and some food products already expired.
In a Facebook post, JenetRyan Kabao said the package she sent underwent significant delays before finally reaching its destination, only for her to discover that the boxes appeared to have been opened and tampered with.
“After almost six months, the package I sent from the Netherlands to the Philippines has finally arrived, but the boxes were opened, and many items and foods are missing, and some of them have expired already,” she wrote.
Kabao also clarified that she had taken extra precautions when packing the boxes. According to her post, the items were first sealed with clear packaging tape and reinforced further with duct tape. Despite this, she said the boxes still arrived in a compromised condition.
In response to questions from other netizens, Kabao identified the courier service she used but noted that her frustration extended beyond a single company. She added that similar incidents appear to happen regardless of the service provider once shipments reach the Philippines.
Her post quickly gained traction online, prompting fellow overseas Filipinos and families to share similar experiences in the comments. Many expressed concern over the safety of balikbayan boxes, which are commonly used by OFWs to send food items, gifts, and personal belongings to loved ones back home.
Balikbayan boxes remain a deeply rooted practice among Filipino migrant workers, often symbolizing care, sacrifice, and connection to family. However, stories of delayed deliveries, missing items, and damaged packages have repeatedly surfaced on social media over the years, raising questions about logistics handling, accountability, and consumer protection.
As of writing, no official response has been issued regarding Kabao’s specific case. Her post has since fueled renewed discussion online on how OFWs can better protect their shipments and what measures courier services and local handlers can implement to ensure the security and integrity of balikbayan boxes.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns among overseas Filipinos and their families, underscoring the need for clearer accountability and stronger safeguards in the handling of international shipments.