Bacolod City — More than a hundred returning overseas Filipino workers walked away with financial support on August 10, 2026, as the Department of Migrant Workers and its partners distributed livelihood grants totaling over P1.8 million during a reintegration and jobs event in this city.
Seventy recipients each took part in the Enhanced Livelihood Development Assistance Program, which released a combined P1.05 million. A separate P750,000 went to 50 beneficiaries under the Enhanced Balik Pinay, Balik Hanapbuhay Program. Twenty-five others were enrolled in Data Collection and Annotation (Data Science and Artificial Intelligence) NC II training through the Expanded Kaalaman Tungo sa Kabuhayan program.
Staged under the government’s UPLIFT initiative, the Bayanihan para sa Balikbayang Manggagawa: National Reintegration Network and Jobs Fair targeted workers rebuilding their lives back home, among them those displaced by the continuing turmoil in the Middle East. Organizers extended assistance not only to the returnees themselves but to job seekers and their families.
Assistant Secretary for Reintegration Atty. Francis Ron De Guzman framed the effort as a shared responsibility between the public and private sectors. “Our OFWs should never have to navigate their journey alone. Through the solidarity and partnership of government and private agencies, we bring services closer to them and their families because when we work together, we make reintegration more meaningful and opportunities more accessible,” he said.
Beyond the cash grants, attendees could tap NRN Helpdesks for referrals and guidance from state agencies and private groups. Thirteen recruitment firms set up booths at the accompanying Jobs Fair, while separate learning sessions tackled financial literacy, mental health awareness, and Alternative Labor Market Interventions. The activity also opened doors to social protection, health and psychosocial care, entrepreneurship support, housing, financial services, and employment help.
Dozens of institutions joined the undertaking, among them OWWA, DOST, Pag-IBIG Fund, DA, DOLE, DSWD, TESDA, SSS, DTI, DHSUD, DOH, PhilHealth, DOT, Land Bank of the Philippines, DepEd, the Philippine Guidance and Counseling Association, CHR, CHED, the provincial and city PESO offices, BDO, OFBank, GCash, and RCBC.
DMW RO-VI Director Glenda M. Aligonza pledged that the agency would stay beside workers through every phase of their return. “From repatriation to reintegration, the Department of Migrant Workers will walk with our OFWs every step of the way. Indi lang sa tion sang inyo kalisod, kundi pati sa tion nga nagatindog kamo liwat, rebuilding your lives, restoring your hope, and pursuing a brighter future (Not only in times of your hardship, but also in times of resilience.),” she said.
