Returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) now have easier access to franchise businesses, low-interest loans and skills training as the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) partnered with relevant stakeholders.
In an interview with Radyo Pilipinas Tuesday, OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan said the new partnerships, launched during the OFW Kabuhayan Expo 2026 at the SMX Convention Center Manila in line with National Migrant Workers Day on Sunday, include a memorandum of agreement with the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) to help OFWs and their families start businesses and reintegrate into their communities after working abroad.
The expo, organized by OWWA with partner agencies and private-sector groups, brought together government services, business opportunities, consultations, and reintegration programs for OFWs and their families.
OWWA said the partnership with PFA aims to expand entrepreneurial opportunities for returning migrant workers by providing easier access to franchise businesses and other livelihood initiatives.
During the interview, Caunan emphasized that reintegration programs should go beyond financial aid.
“Siguro dapat tigilan lang natin ang pag-iisip na ang tulong sa OFW dapat ayuda lang (Maybe we should stop the thinking that helping OFWs should only be aid) or financial assistance,” she said.
Caunan said starting a business with a high success goal, especially for those who have been out of the country for years, is not a simple process.
“Pag nagsisimula po kasi ng negosyo maraming kailangang tulong. Isa dyan ang mentorship or guidance kasi hindi basta may pera ka, magkakanegosyo ka na. Mas maganda ang guided kayo ng mga eksperto at mga taong nagawa na ang gusto ninyong tahaking landas (When starting a business, there are many things you need help with. One of them is mentorship or guidance because it’s not just about having money to start a business. It’s better to be guided by experts and people who have already walked the path you want to take),” she said.
Caunan noted that, through OWWA partnerships, aspiring entrepreneurs will be guided by the PFA, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
To support OFW-owned businesses, she said the Small Business Corporation (SB Corp), a government corporation under the DTI, provides a loan facility for those who want to venture into business.
“Na-announce na po ito ni DTI Secretary Chris Roque, PHP2 billion ang inilaan ng ating pamahalaan sa ilalim ng ating mahal na Pangulo in the form of negosyo fund for the OFW (DTI Secretary Chris Roque has already announced that our government under our beloved President has allocated PHP2 billion in the form of a business fund for the OFWs),” Caunan said.
Under the program, OFWs may finance up to 80 percent of a franchise cost through SB Corp loans at an interest rate of 1 percent per month.
“So sa franchise po, ang ilalabas na lang po ng ating OFW applicant would be 20 percent ng cost ng franchise. Kunwari ang franchise po ay PHP100,000, PHP20,000 lang ang ilalabas at ang PHP80,000 ay pwede utangin sa SB Corp, isa rin government po ito, at ang interest ay (So for the franchise, the OFW applicant would only need to pay 20 percent of the cost of the franchise. For example, if the franchise costs PHP100,000, you only need to pay PHP20,000, and the PHP80,000 can be borrowed from SB Corp, which is also a government entity, and the interest is) 1 percent per month,” she explained.
Meanwhile, Caunan highlighted a new agreement signed with TESDA in Hong Kong, allowing OFWs to undergo training and assessment overseas and earn National Certificate II (NC II) credentials without returning to the Philippines.
Beyond livelihood programs, she said OWWA continues to prioritize the welfare of distressed OFWs, adding that the government remains committed to helping abused and distressed workers return home safely and rebuild their lives through employment and business opportunities. (PNA)
