THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) have partnered to provide entrepreneurial trainings and business support to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families for productive reintegration into their communities.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac and Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at the Migrants Brew in DMW Makati Building, today, 14 January 2025, pledging both agencies to collaborate in supporting OFWs on their business ventures.
“The shared vision of this MOA pushes for an empowered MSME sector. This resonates well with DMW’s agenda about digitalization and innovation efforts to improve OFW services. An empowered MSME sector means a healthy and conducive environment for entrepreneurship which augurs well for OFWs interested in having their own business,” Secretary Cacdac said.
The agreement paves way for both agencies to empower OFWs and their families by assisting on their micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through entrepreneurial trainings and seminars for the promotion of their products.
The DTI will spearhead the promotion of investment options to OFWs, including franchising as an option for their business ventures. The DTI will also support the OFW-beneficiaries to access financial support through government financial institutions and private sector partners.
“Through this partnership with DMW, we aim to further empower our OFWs and their families by equipping them with the necessary tools and opportunities to become successful entrepreneurs. We firmly believe that prioritizing our FWs is not just an investment in their future, but also in the future of our nation,” said Secretary Roque.
On the other hand, DMW will identify and evaluate beneficiaries who can qualify to avail of the services.
The DMW will also monitor and maintain a database of the beneficiaries, particularly those who have completed their business registration, entrepreneurial trainings and other existing services and/or financial assistance.
Among the partnership program of the DMW and DTI is the “Buy Lokal, By OFWs”, a project spearheaded by the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) that aims to promote locally made products, businesses, and services.
The project is aligned to DTI’s “Go Lokal” program, which promotes high-quality Filipino products, while engaging OFWs in the marketing and distribution processes to help them expand their reach.
The agreement is among the various partnerships of the DMW with other government agencies and key social partners in providing a full-cycle and comprehensive reintegration assistance to OFWs and their families.
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