Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) now have a bigger platform to transform their entrepreneurial ideas into reality through LIKHA Global, a business plan competition launched by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO).
LIKHA Global—short for Linangin ang Kabuhayan—is designed for active, land-based OFWs currently deployed abroad. The program serves as a bridge for sustainable livelihood projects in preparation for their reintegration into the Philippines. Apart from showcasing innovative business ideas, participants will gain access to mentoring sessions and the chance to receive financial support.
Eligibility and disqualifications
The competition is open to active and documented OFWs with at least five years of overseas employment experience, currently working abroad, and active members of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). Applicants must not own or be affiliated with any registered business in the Philippines.
Disqualified from joining are:
Current hires of the Philippine Embassy, Consulates, Migrant Workers Offices (MWO), and Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO);
Employees or contractors of government agencies, GOCCs, and local hires;
OFWs up to the fourth degree of consanguinity of employees in agencies such as the DFA, DMW, OWWA, NMP, OFW Hospital, and other foreign service posts.
Competition process
Submission of entries – Deadline is August 31, 2025 through the official LIKHA online portal. Applicants must submit the application form, Business Model Canvas, and required documents.
Screening round – Migrant Workers Offices worldwide will screen entries in September 2025 based on:
Quality of business plan (40 pts)
Feasibility of enterprise (40 pts)
Presentation (20 pts)
Winners from each MWO will advance to the national rounds.
National Business Bootcamp – MWO winners will join mentoring and coaching sessions in the Philippines this December 2025. Travel expenses will be shouldered by the DMW. Attendance is mandatory, and failure to join results in deferment of prize awarding.
National preliminaries – During the Bootcamp, MWO winners will undergo a panel interview, where they will pitch their business ideas within 15 minutes. The top 12 finalists will advance to the final round.
Final round – Each finalist will present a 5-minute pitch followed by a 10-minute Q&A before the national panel of judges.
Prizes and awards
The awarding ceremony is set for December 15, 2025 during the closing of the National Business Bootcamp.
MWO Winners – ₱100,000 each and a trophy.
Top 12 semifinalists – An additional ₱100,000 each.
National Winners:
Best Business Plan – ₱500,000
First Runner-up – ₱300,000
Second Runner-up – ₱200,000
Interested OFWs can apply through the official portal bit.ly/likha-ofw or via the NRCO Facebook page. For inquiries, they may email likha@dmw.gov.ph.
