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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Bill supporting reintegration of returning OFWs hurdles House panel

Bill supporting reintegration of returning OFWs hurdles House panel

Published Jun 2, 2025 12:58 pm  |  Updated Jun 2, 2025 01:54 pm

At A Glance

  • The House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs approved on Monday, June 2, a committee report on a substitute bill that sought the implementation of a comprehensive program to aid returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in their reintegration.
The House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs approved on Monday, June 2, a committee report on a substitute bill that sought the implementation of a comprehensive program to aid returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in their reintegration.
During the resumption of the 19th Congress before it adjourns sine dine on June 13, the House panel held a hearing to tackle the committee report on a measure that will be known as "Bagong Balikbayan Act".
Among those included in the proposed substitute bill is OFW Party-list Marissa Magsino's measure, which pushes for not only giving economic and livelihood support to returning OFWs but also their social, psychosocial, gender-responsiveness and cultural needs.
Magsino's proposal also includes organizing job fairs, entrepreneurship and livelihood development programs. It also pursues skills training, low-interest loans, and tax incentives for businesses owned by OFWs.
The lawmaker also pushed for a social protection mechanism for OFWs who returned to the country due to illegal recruitment, job displacement, and health issues. Such mechanism will come from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
"Panahon na para tayo ay magpatupad ng isang komprehensibo, integrated, at sustainable na reintegration program para sa ating returnee-OFWs (It's about time that we implement a comprehensive, integrated and sustainable reintegration program for our OFW returnees)," she said during the hearing.
She noted that based on reports, 87 percent of OFW returnees have no source of income up to three months after coming back to the country.
"Hindi sapat at hindi pangmatagalan ang kasalukuyang sistema upang tunay na makapagsimulang muli ng buhay sa Pilipinas ang ating mga OFWs (The current system is not enough and not a long-term solution to allow our OFWs to start over again here in the Philippines)," she added.
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