The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in Calabarzon continues to ensure that returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) receive assistance to help them start anew.
Regional Director April Casabuena told the Philippine Information Agency that since the start of the Marcos Jr. administration in 2022, DMW Calabarzon has assisted a total of 550 returning OFWs through its Livelihood Assistance Program (LDAP) and the Balik Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay Program (BPBH).
She said the programs, which provide P10,000 in financial aid, target OFWs who returned to the country and have not been re-hired abroad within three years, to help them reintegrate through sustainable livelihood.
“I always tell our beneficiaries, even though the P10,000 may be a small amount, at least they receive something to start with. Many beneficiaries are from BPBH because we have a lot of Filipina former domestic helpers who want to start a new life again in the Philippines,” Casabuena added.
She emphasized that most of the beneficiaries used the assistance to start small-scale businesses such as sari-sari stores.
“During the application process, a business plan is required to help guide the OFWs. Qualified beneficiaries are also continuously monitored by the DMW to ensure sustainability,” she said.
One of the beneficiaries, Charicar Tejada, 39, from Calamba City, Laguna, worked in Qatar for five years as a domestic worker before being repatriated due to health concerns. She used the grant to open a sari-sari store to support her family.
“I hope to give a good life to my children. I worked in Qatar for five years—my employer treated me well, but I had to come home to treat my health condition,” Tejada shared.
“Right now, my sari-sari store is doing well. Even though the profit isn’t big, I’m managing to get by. Most importantly, I’m with my family. I thank DMW and the national government for helping me start over,” she added.
According to Casabuena, DMW is working on increasing the aid amount from P10,000 to P30,000 to help OFWs further strengthen their livelihood ventures.
She reiterated that DMW Calabarzon remains committed to protecting and promoting the welfare of OFWs through various forms of support in line with the Bagong Pilipinas governance agenda of the Marcos Jr. administration. (KA, PIA4A)
