Congress expands balikbayan benefits

A bicameral conference committee on tourism has agreed to expand the benefits for balikbayans, including overseas Filipino workers.

"The main feature of the bicameral report is the introduction of a Kabuhayan program that will grant the balikbayan a $2,000 tax-free shopping privilege for the purchase of livelihood tools," said Sen. Noli de Castro, chairman of the Senate panel.

He explained that the Kabuhayan program would enable the balikbayan and OFWs to be economically self-reliant upon their return to the country.

Livelihood training for the balikbayan and his family members would be provided by the Department of Labor and Employment, in coordination with other concerned government agencies.

On top of these, shopping privileges of balikbayans have been increased from $1,000 to $1,500 and can be availed of in all government-owned duty-free shops within 15 days upon arrival during ordinary days, up from three days from arrival.

The shopping period is extended to 30 days from arrival during the Christmas season, which is from Nov. 15 to Jan. 15 each year.

Sen. Ramon Magsaysay Jr., a member of the Senate panel, also cited the approval of a provision that mandates government-owned duty-free shops to showcase Philippine-made goods.

"With this provision, Filipino manufacturers are given ample opportunity to showcase their craftsmanship and ingenuity," Magsaysay said.

He added that this would also give tourists a preview of Philippine-made goods and could be a source of pride for Filipinos and even balikbayans.

Magsaysay noted that Goldilocks products and dried mangoes from Cebu line the shelves of duty-free shops and are perennial favorites among tourists and balikbayans.

"Household items from Sari-Sari and Rustan’s have likewise made a strong following in some duty-free shops in the United States and even several chains of famous retail stores in New York," he added.