Davao — The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Regional Welfare Office XI is doubling down on its commitment to the economic reintegration of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) across the Davao Region. By distributing significant financial grants under the Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay! (BPBH) and Tulong PUSO programs, the agency is transforming the lives of returning workers and their families. During recent celebrations in Digos City, OWWA XI officials reaffirmed that these efforts are not just about financial aid, but about building sustainable enterprises that empower families to thrive right here in the Philippines.
Fueling Growth Through Sustainable Grants
The Tulong PUSO (Pangkabuhayan sa Pag-unlad ng Samahang OFWs) program is designed to provide registered OFW organizations with the capital necessary to start or scale community-based enterprises. By offering grants that can range from P150,000 up to P1 million, the program enables groups to move beyond mere subsistence, allowing them to invest in equipment, inventory, and operational infrastructure. Recent beneficiaries in the Davao Region—ranging from the Pantukan Unites Overseas Filipino Workers Association, which operates a hardware business, to the Calapagan OFW Family Circle’s "Kabayan Mobile Café"—demonstrate the diversity of ventures being supported. These grants serve as essential seed money, empowering organized OFW groups to generate steady monthly incomes that support not only their own families but also provide a safety net for distressed workers in their communities.
Building a Foundation for Success
Beyond providing cash, OWWA’s reintegration strategy emphasizes the importance of business acumen and long-term sustainability. The agency frequently collaborates with partners like the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to provide beneficiaries with training in bookkeeping, inventory management, and marketing strategies. This holistic approach ensures that once the grants are awarded, the organizations have the tools to manage their projects professionally and adapt to market demands. Whether it is through the BPBH program, which offers targeted support for displaced or distressed OFWs, or the collective power of Tulong PUSO, the ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between working abroad and building a permanent, profitable future at home.
