The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is intensifying its efforts to aid the reintegration of returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in collaboration with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s aspiration to empower OFWs as vital contributors to the country's socio-economic progress. Through its Full-Cycle National Reintegration Program, the DMW aims to support both documented and undocumented OFWs across all stages of their migration journey.
"From pre-departure to their return, we ensure that every OFW has a partner," stated Undersecretary Felicitas Q. Bay on PTV4’s Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon. The DMW underscores three main components: “Knowledge, Livelihood, Care,” entailing financial education, livelihood and upskilling programs, and psychosocial and wellness assistance.
One of the flagship programs, “In the Philippines, You are the Teacher (SPIMS),” executed in alliance with the Department of Education, aids eligible returning OFWs by guiding them to become licensed teachers in their communities. This initiative illustrates the collaborative efforts of various government agencies, including OWWA, DTI, DA, DOT, DSWD, TESDA, DOLE, DOST, among others, fostering a holistic support system for OFWs.
The DMW facilitates partnerships with banking institutions like BDO, LBP, RCBC, and PNB to provide financial management guidance and investment prospects to OFWs and their families. Routine reviews are conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the programs, emphasizing the qualitative impact on OFWs' lives as a significant success metric.
Undersecretary Bay highlighted, "The true measure of success isn’t just in the numbers—it’s in how the OFWs feel the help and change in their lives." OFWs and their families are encouraged to reach out to DMW offices or regional branches to access reintegration programs. The DMW's collaborative efforts aim to instill hope and transformative opportunities for returning OFWs in their journey back to the Philippines.
