Various freight forwarding companies transporting balikbayan boxes from the UAE to Philippines seek to establish an organization that will protect consumers against ‘fly-by-night’ operations of other companies not accredited by the Department of Trade and Industry-Trade Enforcement Bureau (DTI-FTEB).
Newly-appointed Commercial Attache to the UAE Charmaine Mignon Yalong said that the organization will gather accredited Filipino freight forwarding companies to protect consumers from ‘fly-by-night operators.’
“DTI-FTEB maintains a list of accredited freight forwarding companies in the Philippines with foreign agents sending balikbayan boxes from the UAE to serve as guidance to the shipping public,” Yalong told Gulf Today.
“However, DTI does not have regulation, monitoring and enforcement authority over companies registered and operating in the UAE. Thus, the proposed association membership and accreditation which will provide an additional layer of protection against ‘fly-by-night’ operators,” Yalong added.
The organization will operate under the Philippine Business Council-Dubai and the Northern Emirates (PBCDNE), which is recognized by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Meanwhile, PBCDNE-Membership director and LBC Sales & Marketing senior manager Allan Michael Bautista welcomed the move to establish an organization for all Filipino freight forwarding companies in the UAE.
“The effort to unite and collaborate amongst Filipino freight forwarding companies stems from the common interest of being able to provide the best service for our kababayans (countrymen) amidst today’s present challenges,” Bautista said.
Currently, there are 37 freight forwarders accredited by DTI-FTEB in the UAE. Among these, 29 are stationed in Dubai, seven in Abu Dhabi, and one in Umm Al Quwain.
An estimated 10,000 balikbayan boxes are being shipped by these companies from the UAE to the Philippines daily.
