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BALIKBAYAN PLUS PROGRAM

Duty Free Philippines' Balikbayan Plus Program was signed into law on November 3, 1989 by virtue of Republic Act 6768 signed by former President Corazon C. Aquino.

This was amended on November 7, 2003 by virtue of the New Balikbayan Law under Republic Act No. 9174 issued by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The term Balikbayan is defined as a Filipino citizen who has been continuously out of the Philippines for a period of at least one (1) year, a Filipino overseas worker, or former Filipino citizen and his or her family, who had been naturalized in a foreign country and comes or returns to the Philippines.

BALIKBAYAN BENEFITS

The Balikbayan or any returning Filipino who has been abroad for at least a a year can shop at any Duty Free outlet up to $1,500 worth of Duty Free items within 15 days upon arrival (30 days during the Christmas season). The Balikbayan is also entitled to a Kabuhayan shopping privilege worth $2,000 exclusively for the purchase of livelihood tools.

APPLICATION AND REGISTRATION

Balikbayans can enjoy the benefits of Balikbayan Plus by presenting the following documents at DFP Fiestamall's Customer Registration Representative (CRR) Counter.

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For Overseas Workers Philippine passport and any of the following:
o
POEA approved contract of employment; or Certificate of employment by any of the following:
Foreign employer, Philippine Embassy or Consulate, Tourism attaché, Labor attaché (or contract worker stamp on passport, seamanâ??s service record book.)
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For Filipino citizens continuously abroad for at least one (1) year
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Philippine passport showing date of last departure, and Income tax return (ITR) of previous year or Certificate of Unemployment from the Philippine Consulate for students, retirees and housewives.
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For Filipino Foreign Passport Holders, Foreign passport and any of the following:
o
Old Philippine passport, foreign naturalization papers; or other documents to show former Philippine citizenship of parent/spouse.

BALIKBAYAN PLUS CARD

The Balikbayan Plus Card makes the balikbayan benefit package more tangible. This card entitles balikbayans to all the privileges under the Balikbayan Program and gives them access to additional benefits extended by selected establishments.

The Balikbayan Plus Card readily identifies the balikbayans so that they can immediately avail of the benefits due them as provided by law. Balikbayans can avail of exclusive discounts and special packages from DFP-accredited commercial establishments nationwide.

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