MANILA—The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has confirmed a significant increase in the funding for the national reintegration program for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas initiative.
According to Philippines News Agency, who spoke at the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas event organized by the Philippine Information Agency, the enhanced budget is set to broaden the reach and efficacy of the reintegration efforts, helping more OFW returnees to reintegrate into society successfully. From January 1, 2023, to August 31, 2024, approximately 28,000 beneficiaries, mostly under Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) programs, have received assistance. “Here at DMW, we started with a smaller budget from the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO), but under the new administration, the budget has doubled. This year, we expect the number of beneficiaries to grow to around 5,000,” Cacdac stated.
The DMW and its NRCO are implementing several programs designed to support returning OFWs in rebuilding their lives. These programs include the BPBH, Livelihood Development Assistance Program (LDAP), Sa Pinas Ikaw ang Ma’am at Sir (SPIMS), Training on Livelihood, Skills, Technical and Professional Development, and Entrepreneurship Development Tour (EDT). Additional initiatives such as Business Mentoring and Technical Support (BMTS) Technical Support, Tulong Pangkapital, Psychosocial Activities, and an extensive Reintegration Education Campaign further enhance the support structure for OFWs.
OWWA Chief Arnell Ignacio also commented on the agency’s commitment to supporting returning workers. “About 10 percent of the OWWA fund is allocated to reintegration. This provides substantial assistance to OFWs who have worked abroad and are considering returning to the country to continue their livelihood using the skills and experiences they’ve acquired overseas,” Ignacio explained.
Ignacio revealed plans for a new reintegration program specifically targeting OFWs involved in farming. This initiative is intended to assist returning workers while also supporting the Marcos administration’s food sufficiency goals.
Cacdac added that the DMW is collaborating with other government agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Tourism to further strengthen the reintegration program and provide returning OFWs with access to livelihood or business opportunities in the Philippines.