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| Senator Raffy Tulfo and DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac |
A Senate bill to enact the New Balikbayan Act to provide comprehensive government assistance to returning OFWs in settling into productive lives in the Philippines, has received support from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
DMW said it “supports the goal of further strengthening
mechanisms for long-term and comprehensive support for OFWs, especially in the
midst of ongoing regional conflicts and geopolitical trends where it is
important that assistance does not end with financial and repatriation
assistance, but continues until they start anew in the Philippines.”
The New Balikbayan Act or Senate bill 2423 under discussion at the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, seeks to activate assistance six months before they come home.
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| PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE |
It prescribes DMW assistance in:
- Education: Training and knowledge building.
- Psychosocial Support: Mental health and personal counseling.
- Entrepreneurship: Business startup guidance.
- Employment: Local job placement assistance
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| PINDUTIN DITO |
Committee Chairperson Senator Raffy Tulfo said in a
statement: “Today, our National Reintegration Network merely acts like an
‘emergency room’ rather than a recovery center. Many returning OFWs are still
losing their savings due to fraudulent investments and fraudulent business
deals.”
He noted some OFWs who, despite high positions and skills
acquired abroad, end up unemployed or underemployed due to incorrect job
matching, as well as those who experience psychological trauma that affects
their ability to work.
The bill seeks to expand reintegration services, access to
livelihood assistance, and support system for returning migrant workers and
their families.
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| Basahin ang detalye! |
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac said: “Our OFWs
spent years making sacrifices for their families and our country. As they
return home, they deserve the opportunity to build a better future. With this
law, we [at the Department of Migrant Workers] stand ready to fully implement
it and support our returning workers every step of the way.”
DMW added that its swift passage will help institutionalize
ongoing reintegration reforms, ensure their sustainability, and provide a
stronger framework for government-led action through the National Reintegration
Network.
“Our OFWs should not have to come home and start empty. The
Bagong Balikbayan Act will help ensure that reintegration begins early and
connects returning OFWs to real opportunities for a more secure future,” Secretary
Cacdac added.
“Under Republic Act No. 11641, there is already a
reintegration program implemented by the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare
Administration (OWWA). However, the bill will provide a stronger and more
permanent foundation,” DMW said.
Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre, principal sponsor of the
bill in the House of Representatives, appealed to the Senate to swiftly pass
the Bagong Balikbayan Act.
Acidre underscored the urgency of institutionalizing
programs that help OFWs transition back into local employment,
entrepreneurship, and community life after years of working abroad.
