The Department of Trade and Industry reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare and economic empowerment of overseas Filipino workers with the signing of a joint memorandum circular establishing the National Reintegration Network.
The ceremonial signing was held June 7 at the OSHC Compound in Quezon City and marked a key milestone in delivering comprehensive, sustainable support for OFWs returning to the Philippines.
Spearheaded by the Department of Migrant Workers, 16 government agencies signed the agreement in commemoration of the 30th National Migrant Workers Day.
The circular reflects a whole-of-government approach to ensure OFWs receive seamless and dignified support throughout their reintegration journey.
A key part of DTI’s role in the NRN is promoting entrepreneurship as a pathway to long-term financial stability for OFWs and their families.
Trade Secretary Cristina A. Roque said entrepreneurship is the most effective way to preserve the value of OFWs’ hard-earned income and help future generations avoid the need to work abroad.
“The story of our OFWs is one of courage and sacrifice,” Roque said.
“As a mother, a daughter, and a fellow Filipino, I feel the weight of those sacrifices.”
“That is why, under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision for a ‘Bagong Pilipinas,’ we are committed to turning every sacrifice into a springboard for success,” she added.
“We want your hard-earned income to become the seed of a business that grows, endures and sustains your family—so that one day, our children no longer have to leave home to dream.”
The DTI is working to make its entrepreneurship programs more accessible to OFWs through on-the-ground services, digital platforms and reintegration one-stop shop centers.
“To our OFWs, you left with courage,” Roque said.
“You returned with experience.”
“Now we commit to walk beside you as you build your second journey right here at home.”
The NRN framework defines systems for interagency coordination, cooperation and resource-sharing to deliver programs that address OFW reintegration needs across all phases of labor migration.
It also mandates the establishment of physical and virtual Reintegration One-Stop Centers, the result of close collaboration among government agencies including the DTI.
