House panel approves OFW reintegration substitute bill

Metro Manila, Philippines - Overseas Filipino workers (OFW) ending their stint abroad will go through a process that will help them get employed and other assistance for a smooth transition, under a bill that cleared a House of Representatives committee.

The substitute bill, titled Bagong Balikbayan Act, seeks to implement a comprehensive, integrated, and sustainable reintegration for returning OFWs.

“The State recognizes the invaluable contributions of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to national development and is committed to upholding their fundamental rights, including the right to equal opportunity, decent living, dignity, and participation in decision-making processes affecting their lives and well-being,” the bill stated.

Under the bill, the reintegration program would address economic, social, psychosocial, gender-responsive, and cultural dimensions.

Once passed into law, the reintegration process would be initiated by migrant workers offices six months before the OFW returns to the country. The returning Filipino would then be given access to four ways of reintegration: education, upskilling/reskilling/retooling/micro-credentialing; psychosocial and social support services; entrepreneurship; and employment.

The program would also be “mainstreamed throughout the migration cycle.”

Further, a Returnee-OFWs Management Information System and Reintegration Management System would be established.