A former overseas Filipino worker is putting government-backed capital to work in the pharmaceutical sector after receiving P580,000 under a new low-interest lending program aimed at helping repatriated workers rebuild their livelihoods at home.
Dan Zeus Almarines was among three OFWs who received loan disbursements during the “Bagong Pilipinas Bayanihan para sa Balikbayang Manggagawa” National Reintegration Network and Job Fair held April 6 at the QC M.I.C.E. Center in Quezon City. The other recipients were Marie Anduyon, who was granted P200,000 for a water refilling station, and Jonahlou Bilaro, who received P100,000 for an events management service.
The capital came from the OFW Negosyo Fund, a P2-billion program under the Small Business Corporation launched on March 11, 2026. DTI Secretary Christina Roque said the fund carries a very low interest rate, requires no collateral, and includes a one-year grace period during which borrowers are not charged principal or interest — designed to give returning workers time to get their businesses off the ground.
SB Corp. President Robert Bastillo and Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac joined Secretary Roque in leading the disbursement ceremony.
The OFW Negosyo Fund is part of a multi-agency reintegration effort operating under a directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., targeting workers forced to return home due to unforeseen circumstances abroad.
