The Department of Science and Technology – CALABARZON (DOST-CALABARZON)
received praise for its outstanding implementation of the DOST Innovations for Filipinos
Working Distantly from the Philippines (iFWD PH) Program. Launched only in 2021, the
iFWD PH produced 51 Phase 1 graduates, nine Phase 2 business proposals under review
and evaluation, and three approved and funded projects in the CALABARZON region.
“[Sa ating mga] partners, pinaka-positive ang feedback [ng mga OFWs] sa DOST na iFWD
PH. Kasi [pakiramdam] nila nabigyan talaga sila ng guidance—nabibisita sila, ine-
encourage sila,” Executive Director Estrella Mai Dizon-Añonuevo of the Atikha Overseas
Workers and Communities Initiative, Inc. summarized during the evaluation and monitoring
of BalikaBayanihan initiatives.
In response to the call for “Bayanihan Para sa Balik Kabayan” (BalikaBayanihan) — a
nationwide campaign to aid OFWs repatriated as a result of the global pandemic, the DOST
initiated the iFWD PH. As leaders of science, technology, and innovation, the DOST
pioneered the Program to provide OFWs and their families with opportunities to establish
their own technology-based enterprise. iFWD PH has two phases: Phase 1 or the Capacity
Building Phase, and Phase 2 or the Innovation Funding (iFunding) Phase, in which Phase 1
completers may secure a 250,000-peso iFund support at no interest rate for their business needs. In April 2021, the DOST-CALABARZON kicked off the iFWD PH in the region with a
virtual gathering to welcome OFWs in their technopreneurship journey.
Atikha, a non-government organization that offers social and economic assistance to OFWs
and their families, became the partner of the DOST-CALABARZON in the Capacity Building
Phase of the iFWD PH.
They organized a 6-week training titled “Start and Improve Your
Business” (SIYB) to equip OFWs with essential skills in business planning and
development. Phase 1 graduates were then assisted by a mix of mentors and consultants
from the DOST-CALABARZON, Atikha, and Asian Institute of Management Alumni
Association to craft a business plan and secure funding from the iFunding Phase of the
iFWD PH.
To date, one project from Laguna and two projects from Batangas received their respective
iFund, namely: upgrading of products and services of the Laguna-based ICT-enterprise,
Cogito Solutions, Inc.; technology updating of Jett Steelworks Fabricated Metals Facturing
Production Facility in Batangas; and technology upgrading of Gara Garments
Manufacturing, also in Batangas. Nine other project proposals are undergoing revision,
review, and approval for their iFunding application.
If you are an OFW interested in making your dream techno-enterprise come to life, email
ifwd@ro4a.dost.gov.ph or visit https://ifwdph.dost.gov.ph. Together, let’s move
CALABARZON forward.
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