Biel Jose Catipon

Returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) can now access science and technology-based support to start small businesses through a new initiative aimed at ensuring their sustainable reintegration into their communities.


Launched by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the initiative provides business development services, innovation guidance, and funding support to OFWs and their families.

For the first phase of the program, focal persons for the Innovations for Filipinos Working Distantly from the Philippines (iFWD PH) completed a three-day Capacity Development Program on Technology-Based Business Ideation and Development in Makati City from May 20–22 to orient OFWs on opportunities to enhance their ventures and innovations.

It covered key topics including entrepreneurship, design thinking, product-market fit, business model canvas, operations and supply chain management, as well as marketing and commerce.

“We really want them to come home and maramdaman nila na sila ay ating kinakalinga, sila ay ating pinapahalagahan, at mayroong pag-asa para sa kanila at sa kanilang pamilya kapag sila ay umuwi na sa Pilipinas,” DMW’s National Reintegration Center for OFWs Director Andrea Luisa Anolin said.

In collaboration with the Entrepinoy Volunteers Foundation, Inc. (EVFI), a non-profit organization, the initiative combines DOST’s iFWD PH program with the DMW’s ongoing reintegration efforts.

DOST-National Capital Region (NCR) Regional Director Romelen T. Tresvalles emphasized that collaborating with the DMW strengthens reintegration efforts for returning migrants.

“We are working with DMW kasi nakikita natin when we connect the different programs we have nakakapagbigay tayo ng wholistic assistance sa ating kababayan na OFW,” Tresvalles said.

The program enables OFWs to access technologies developed by DOST through its research and development institutions, allowing them to boost production, reduce manufacturing time, and expand their market using personalized technologies tailored to their specific business needs, opportunities, and challenges.

“By guiding our beneficiaries in business ideation grounded in science, technology, and innovation, we help lay the foundation for resilient, competitive, sustainable, and future-ready enterprises,” Anolin added.

Under the program, the sectors prioritized for technological enhancement include food processing, beverage manufacturing, crop and animal production, fabricated metal products manufacturing, information and communication, Science and Technology (S&T) consultancy, furniture manufacturing, and other priority industries identified by the Regional Development Council.

This initiative stems from the agreement signed by the DMW and DOST on August 5, 2024.