DTI 7, DMW 7 strengthen support for returning OFWs

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 7 and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Region 7 have joined forces to provide more coordinated support to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), returning migrant workers, and their families.

In an article published on DTI.gov.ph, the two agencies formalized their partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed on Aug. 12, 2026, at the DTI Region 7 office in Cebu City.

The agreement focuses on improving access to government services related to OFW reintegration, livelihood, entrepreneurship, and protection against illegal recruitment and trafficking in persons.

The MOA was signed by DTI 7 Acting Regional Director Esperanza T. L. Melgar and DMW 7 Regional Director Jhoaden G. Lucero.

“This partnership brings our services closer to our OFWs and their families, particularly those who are returning home and looking for opportunities to rebuild their livelihoods,” Melgar said.

She added that closer coordination with DMW would help connect returning OFWs to information, business support, and financing opportunities, allowing them to use their skills and resources to build sustainable businesses in the Philippines.

A key part of the agreement is the adoption of the One Window Bayanihan Assistance Program (OWBAP) Referral and Tracking System, an online platform that will help agencies coordinate and monitor reintegration services for OFWs in Central Visayas.

The system will allow relevant information and documents to be collected through a single-entry process. Referrals can then be sent to the appropriate agencies, while updates on cases can be monitored digitally.

The partnership will also expand information campaigns on the programs and services available to OFWs. Anti-Illegal Recruitment and Trafficking in Persons (AIRTIP) and migrant worker awareness modules will be incorporated into DTI’s business forums, consumer networks, and Negosyo Center activities.

Returning OFWs and their families will also be linked to DTI’s livelihood and entrepreneurship programs. The agency’s Negosyo Centers will serve as access points for business information, advisory services, training, market opportunities, and other government programs for entrepreneurs.

Among the programs that OFWs may access is the Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) program, which provides aspiring and existing entrepreneurs with mentoring and practical business knowledge.

DTI will also promote the OFW Negosyo Fund, a P2-billion financing program launched in March 2026 and implemented by the Small Business Corp. (SBCorp), the financing arm of DTI.

The fund provides loans ranging from P30,000 to P20 million to help OFWs and their families start, sustain, or expand businesses in the Philippines. Loans may be paid over as long as five years, while collateral requirements are waived for loans of up to P5 million.

Applications may be made through the SBCorp Money app or web application, with assistance also available through DTI Negosyo Centers.

The partnership will also strengthen efforts to protect migrant workers by expanding awareness of illegal recruitment, trafficking, responsible migration, and available government assistance.

DMW will make relevant data and statistics on returning and returned OFWs available to partner agencies, subject to existing laws and regulations. The agencies also committed to protecting personal information and complying with the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

Within 30 days of the MOA signing, DTI and DMW will form a Technical Working Group that will finalize the work plan for implementing the OWBAP and monitor its progress.

Through the partnership, DTI 7 and DMW 7 aim to make government assistance more accessible to returning OFWs and their families by connecting them with information, referrals, business support, and financing opportunities as they rebuild their livelihoods at home.