Balikbayan Box Drive
Giving Back to Ancestral Land.
At Re-Indigenized Collective, our Balikbayan Box Drive is about more than sending packages—it is a way of returning with care and responsibility.
Balikbayan is a Filipino word that means “to return to one’s homeland.” Traditionally, balikbayan boxes are sent by those living abroad as a way to share resources and care with family and community back home. For me, this practice is deeply personal. Sinacaban, Philippines is the home of my ancestors, and supporting this municipality is a meaningful way to stay connected to the land they came from while contributing to efforts that help families today.
Each year, we intentionally hold this drive in October during Filipino American History Month—a time to honor heritage, remember those who came before us, and reflect on how we live out responsibility to community in the present.
What the Drive Looks Like.
In past drives, we’ve packed dozens of boxes with wearable items, dental supplies, and household necessities. Each item is chosen and packed with care, with the goal of meeting real, everyday needs for families in Sinacaban.
Children receive clothing and shoes they can use daily, and adults benefit from supplies that help ease ongoing financial strain. Every box represents practical support offered with dignity and respect.
Why This Matters.
This Balikbayan Box Drive reflects our broader mission of re-indigenization—reconnecting with ancestral land, honoring heritage, and practicing care in tangible ways. Supporting Sinacaban allows me to give back to the place my ancestors once called home while working toward something forward-looking: helping families break cycles of generational poverty.
This work is grounded in a quiet belief that faith, compassion, and care are best expressed through consistent, practical action.
How You Can Support.
While our volunteer packing days take place primarily in November, the drive itself is supported year-round through:
Donated items for inclusion in the boxes
Financial contributions to help cover shipping and logistics
Every gift helps ensure that these boxes arrive safely and continue supporting families in meaningful ways. Through this drive, we return not just with boxes, but with intention—supporting families in Sinacaban and giving back to ancestral land with humility and care.
