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Start of ‘ber’ months sees rise in shipments of balikbayan boxes
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Posted on Sep 30 2011
LBC Mabuhay Saipan, which provides freight services for Filipinos on island who wish to send gifts and pasalubong to their loved ones in the Philippines, is seeing an increase in the number of boxes they receive and ship out.
But Valentino Gatchalian, manager for the LBC Mabuhay USA Corp. affiliate, belied rumors that the increase is caused by the release of the final rule governing foreign workers in the CNMI last Sept. 7.
Rather, he says it has more to do with the approaching holiday season.
“Usually, we get more customers once the ‘ber months come in,” Gatchalian told Saipan Tribune, referring to the months from September to December, considered as the holiday season by most, if not all Filipinos.
Gatchalian said LBC Mabuhay Saipan, with its main office in Susupe and another branch in Garapan, sends an average of two 20-foot containers per month, with each container holding about 180 boxes to be shipped to different parts of the Philippines.
Sending a balikbayan box costs $55 each, inclusive of the $7 deposit to be paid upon obtaining the box.
During the peak holiday season, Gatchalian said that they send as many as three containers.
“Based on experience, we really see a rise in the number of boxes we send to the Philippines, particularly during the first week of November since that’s our cut-off we give our customers if they want to have their packages received in time for Christmas,” said Gatchalian, who has been with LBC Mabuhay Saipan since 2001.
Gatchalian noted that the number of boxes they sell is not an accurate reflection of the balikbayan boxes they ship out, given that some customers use the boxes for other purposes.
“Even those who travel to the U.S. mainland also make use of our boxes because its size is standard and is acceptable in all airlines,” he explained.
The LBC Susupe location is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 7:30pm and Saturday to Sunday from 9am to 7pm. The Garapan location is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 7:30pm and Saturday to Sunday from 10am to 7pm.
For more information, call Susupe branch at 234-9013 or Garapan branch at 233-5605.
