HOPING to turn the homecoming of Filipino migrant workers into a pathway for long-term income opportunities, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) have launched a joint program that will allow returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to invest directly in tourism businesses, from hotels and ferries to logistics and retail ventures.
The two agencies formalized today their partnership for the “Investment in Philippine Opportunities for Nation’s Tourism” (IPON Tourism) program, a new component of the Balik Bayani sa Turismo initiative. The agreement positions tourism not only as a major job generator but also as an accessible investment avenue for OFWs coming back to the country.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the program gives returning workers a foothold in a sector “expanding and full of opportunity,” enabling them to reintegrate as partners, owners, or entrepreneurs in tourism-related enterprises.
IPON Tourism links OFWs to income opportunities offered by both public and private sector partners, including Duty Free Philippines, Hotel 101 Global, Archipelago Philippine Ferries Corporation (FastCat), DOON Transport Technologies, and 2GO Express.
The broader Balik Bayani sa Turismo program also equips OFWs with livelihood training in sectors such as homestays, culinary tourism, farm tourism, tour-guiding, and micro-retail. After a pilot training session in Pangasinan that benefited 41 OFWs in 2024, new rollouts are scheduled in Isabela, Cebu, and Davao this December.
Another component, the Teach-it-Forward Program, allows OFWs to serve as mentors and assessors, sharing their skills and global experience with tourism communities.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac welcomed the partnership, saying tourism offers migrant workers a viable path to employment, entrepreneurship, and community development.
Under the MOU, the DOT will open tourism-sector opportunities for OFWs, while the DMW will endorse qualified participants. Private partners will provide the investment and business pathways.