A new measure seeking to strengthen government support for returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) has been filed in the Senate.
Senator Bong Go has introduced Senate Bill No. 1776, also known as the proposed National Reintegration Act, which aims to establish a comprehensive and coordinated reintegration framework for OFWs coming home to the Philippines.
Comprehensive Reintegration Framework
Under the proposed bill, government agencies would be required to work more closely together to ensure returning OFWs receive structured support. The measure outlines programs for:
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Employment facilitation
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Recognition and certification of skills
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Livelihood and entrepreneurship training
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Access to credit and financial assistance
The proposal mandates regular job fairs organized by the Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Migrant Workers to help returning workers transition into local employment opportunities.
Meanwhile, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) would be tasked with certifying OFWs’ education, training, and work experience—allowing them to better qualify for local jobs or entrepreneurial ventures.
For those planning to start businesses, livelihood training and loan access would be facilitated through the Small Business Corporation, providing financial support for small and medium enterprises.
Ensuring Continued Government Support
According to Go, reintegration should not stop at airport arrival assistance.
“When our OFWs return home, the government’s support should not end there,” he said, stressing the importance of sustainable opportunities for overseas workers who have contributed significantly to the country’s economy.
Strengthening Long-Term Stability for OFWs
The proposed National Reintegration Act aims to address long-standing concerns about job mismatches, lack of capital, and limited access to structured reintegration programs. By institutionalizing coordination among agencies, the bill seeks to provide returning OFWs with clearer pathways to employment or entrepreneurship.
If passed into law, SB 1776 could significantly reshape how the government assists OFWs in rebuilding their careers and livelihoods back home—ensuring that their years of service abroad translate into stable opportunities in the Philippines.
Bill Full Details Senate Bill 1776
