THE House Committee on Appropriations has approved the funding provisions of the proposed Bagong Balikbayan Act, marking a significant step forward in AGIMAT Party-list Rep. Bryan Revilla’s initiative to institutionalize a comprehensive and dignified reintegration framework for returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
Revilla’s Bagong Balikbayan Act aims to make the Philippines a viable, reliable, and dignified option for returning OFWs—where they are welcomed not only with gratitude but with real opportunities, clear pathways, and strong government support to rebuild their lives.
Revilla, who is also Chairperson of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs and principal author of the measure, reaffirmed his full commitment to its passage during the Committee on Appropriations meeting on November 26, 2025, at the House of Representatives.
He emphasized that the bill is both a legislative and personal priority designed to ensure that returning Overseas Filipino Workers receive comprehensive, integrated, and sustainable support throughout their reintegration journey.
“I am here not just to present a funding request, but to present an investment in the most resilient backbone of our economy—our Overseas Filipino Workers. These are our modern-day heroes who have sacrificed greatly,” Revilla said.
“Sa loob ng mahabang panahon, ang reintegration program ng gobyerno ay tagpi-tagpi at walang malinaw na direksyon. Ang pinaka-apektado ay ang ating mga OFW. Kaya kahit gusto na nilang umuwi, napipilitan silang makipagsapalaran muli sa abroad para maitaguyod ang pamilya,” he added.
With the green light from the Appropriations panel, the measure is expected to be approved by the plenary before the Christmas break.
The proposed measure establishes a coordinated framework for all returning OFWs—including land-based, sea-based, documented, and undocumented workers. It promotes economic self-sufficiency, social stability, and psychosocial well-being by shifting from reactive aid to proactive support that covers the entire lifecycle of return migration.
Revilla highlighted that family considerations remain the top reason for returning.
He added, “Family is often the primary reason for coming home, but that should not overshadow the importance of job availability and economic conditions here. Our goal is to make the Philippines a truly viable home, a place where opportunities exist so they do not feel forced to leave again.
During the hearing, Revilla asked the Department of Budget and Management to increase its plantilla positions for Reintegration Bureau of the Department or Migrant Workers (DMW). Revilla noted that the DMW’s Reintegration Bureau is too small with only 18 personnel serving an estimated 500,000-600,000 people.
“I would like to request the DBM if this would be possible. And I know, this is a small ask. I hope the DBM would grant this request for DMW for this reintegration program to be a successful launch, “ Revilla said.
He stressed that reintegration is not a one-size-fits-all process. While some returning OFWs thrive as entrepreneurs, others require retraining or direct employment.
“Hindi lahat gusto mag-negosyo pag-uwi. Marami rin ang gustong magtrabaho ulit. That is why re-skilling and re-tooling require additional budget.”
Revilla also cited practical challenges faced by many returnees such as low savings, non-transferable skills, and stagnant local economies. He underscored that reintegration is as much a social transition as it is an economic one.
“Hindi natin pwedeng iwanan ang OFW pagkatapos nilang umuwi. Ang pagbabalik ay bahagi ng migration journey. Kung pababayaan natin ito, paulit-ulit lang ang pagpasok at pag-alis ng bansa.”
He explained that the Bagong Balikbayan Act is not charity but a forward-looking investment.
“Ang panukala natin ay hindi charity o dole-out. Ito ay pagpupundar sa kinabukasan ng pamilya ng ating mga OFW. May malinaw itong monitoring at measurable outcomes para matiyak na tunay na nararamdaman ng OFW at pamilya ang benepisyo.”
Revilla also emphasized a deeper aspiration behind the bill: to make sure that no matter where Filipinos go, they will always choose to come home because no other place can offer what the Philippines can.
“Gusto nating gawing viable option ang pag-uwi. Walang ibang tahanan kundi ang sariling bayan. Home should be livelihood, at dapat ang kabuhayan ay matatagpuan mismo sa tahanan.”
Revilla called on Congress, government agencies, LGUs, the private sector, and civil society to unite for the full funding and timely passage of the measure.
“I urge the entire Congress and government agencies to work together so that migration becomes a choice, not a necessity. Dapat maramdaman ng OFW na inuuna sila ng bayan,” he concluded.
During the Appropriations session, the committee moved to approve the measure and commended Rep. Revilla for his work in preparing the proposal
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