Bicol: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in Bicol continues to bring essential government services to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families through the Balik-Bayang Manggagawa (BBM) National Reintegration Network (NRN) fairs across the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, DMW-Bicol Labor and Employment Officer Merry Christ Joely Eguia reported that the office has organized over 10 BBM-NRN activities in the region, including significant fairs at Albay Astrodome on May 29 and Robinsons Naga on July 28, along with smaller fairs in various provinces. During the latest BBM-NRN event at the DMW regional office, the agency distributed PHP1.3 million in financial aid to 23 qualified OFWs and their families. This assistance is part of the DMW's Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFW na Nangangailangan (AKSYON) Fund, which covers legal, repatriation, medical, and other types of assistance, including financial support for burial expenses.
Eguia elaborated that the aid ranges from PHP5,000 to PHP100,000, depending on the severity of the recipients' needs, with the maximum amount offered to beneficiaries of deceased OFWs. The BBM-NRN initiative collaborates with national government agencies, private sector partners, and organizations to provide reintegration services to returning OFWs and their families. Participants have praised the accessibility and convenience of bringing these services directly to the provinces through the fair's one-stop-shop and whole-of-government approach.
The next major BBM-NRN event in Bicol is scheduled for October in Sorsogon as part of the Kasanggayahan Festival. This activity will include a job fair, Serbisyo Caravan, and a trade fair showcasing businesses established by OFWs. The event aims to unite members of the NRN, which comprises national government agencies, private stakeholders, and organizations supporting OFW reintegration.
Eguia emphasized that the DMW Regional Office 5 (Bicol) and other government programs are always prepared to assist everyone, whether they are OFWs or not, especially those in need of government help.
In addition, the regional office of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is offering returning OFWs opportunities to establish technology-based enterprises through its Innovations for Filipinos Working Distantly from the Philippines (iFWD PH) program. DOST-Bicol Project Technical Assistant I Jenica Borillo stated that the program aids OFWs in developing businesses through capability-building and innovation funding.
The program consists of two main phases: training and innovation funding. Qualified participants may access up to PHP500,000 in funding for technology and machinery to be used in their businesses, which must be technology-based. Borillo outlined the program's three tracks to cater to OFWs with varying levels of business experience: Tech-Aspirant under the regular track, Innovative Builders under the fast track, and Innovation-Ready Pioneers under the express track.
For those without a business, they fall under the Tech-Aspirant track and undergo Phase 1 training, which includes business ideation and core business development training. For OFWs with existing businesses or prior business-related training, the faster tracks allow them to move directly to innovation funding after completing the required assessment.
The PHP500,000 innovation funding is repayable over three years, with a one-year grace period before repayment begins. Borillo noted that the BBM-NRN has facilitated DOST's outreach to more OFWs who might otherwise struggle to access its programs. She emphasized that through the BBM-NRN, DOST can meet more OFWs as they no longer need to visit the office to access services; instead, DOST brings its services to them.
The national government agencies participating in the activity included OWWA, the Commission on Human Rights, DOST, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Social Security System, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Trade and Industry, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.
