A formal agreement signed between two government agencies on May 18 is expected to make it significantly easier for Overseas Filipino Workers to tap into an existing business loan program designed for their benefit.
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and the Department of Trade and Industry’s Small Business Corporation executed a Memorandum of Agreement at the DTI Filinvest Building in Makati City, formalizing a joint approach to connecting OFWs and their families with the OFW Negosyo Fund — a ₱2-billion lending facility launched in March 2026 that offers startup capital and business expansion loans.
Under the agreement, referral procedures will be streamlined across a network of touchpoints that includes OWWA and DTI-SB Corp regional offices, Negosyo Centers, Provincial Help Desks, and Reintegration Centers. The arrangement also includes efforts to build up the capacity of regional offices to deliver services more efficiently to OFWs exploring entrepreneurship.
The program offers startup loans ranging from ₱30,000 to ₱300,000 for new businesses, while existing micro, small, and medium enterprises owned by OFWs may borrow up to ₱20 million. Collateral is not required for loans up to ₱3 million for first-time borrowers, and up to ₱5 million for those with an existing borrowing record. Repayment terms run up to five years, with a grace period available.
Eligible applicants include active OFWs, their immediate families, OFW-owned MSMEs, and both newly registered and operating businesses. Basic documentary requirements include a government-issued identification card, a Mayor’s Business Permit, proof of a bank account, and corporate documents where applicable.
OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan delivered the opening remarks at the signing ceremony. Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac and DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque separately expressed their support for the partnership.
OFWs seeking more information may visit the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office or any DTI-SB Corp regional office, or reach OWWA through its official hotline at 1348.
