Sixteen government agencies, led by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), have formalized a unified approach to reintegrating overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) through the launch of the National Reintegration Network (NRN). The milestone was marked by the signing of a Joint Memorandum Circular on June 7 at the Occupational Safety and Health Center in Quezon City.
The move follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive during his 2024 Labor Day message, calling for stronger collaboration among agencies to ensure OFWs are no longer passed from one department to another when seeking reintegration assistance.
“Inatasan kami ng Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr., noong Labor Day na magkaroon ng National Reintegration Network kung saan nagsasanib-puwersa kami lahat para hindi na pinagpapasa-pasahan ang mga OFWs,” said Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac.
The event coincided with the groundbreaking of the new DMW Building and the National Reintegration Center for OFWs, part of the 30th Migrant Workers’ Day celebration.
Among the co-signatories were top officials from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), which will respectively serve as co-chair and vice-chair of the NRN.
Other participating agencies include the DSWD, DA, DOST, DOT, TESDA, SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG Fund, SB Corp., OFBank, NCMF, and PhilPharma—each offering reintegration services such as livelihood programs, training and upskilling, medical support, job referrals, and even access to affordable rice and medicine.
Cacdac also expressed hope that the NRN will pave the way for a significant boost in reintegration funding. “Kaya nagpapasalamat tayo kay Pangulo at kay Sec. Mina (Amenah Pangandaman). Although wala pa yung National Expenditure Program (NEP), we keep our fingers crossed,” he said.
The NRN was established under the implementing rules of Republic Act No. 11641 and is envisioned to streamline and strengthen support systems for OFWs returning home to start anew.
