The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration in Central Visayas (OWWA 7) is expanding its reintegration support for returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as tensions in the Middle East continue to trigger repatriations, with more beneficiaries expected under the Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay (BPBH) program.
The BPBH program is OWWA’s flagship reintegration initiative for displaced or distressed OFWs, providing livelihood assistance intended to help returnees start or expand small businesses after coming home.
Support is given as start-up or supplemental capital depending on membership status.
Active OWWA members may receive P20,000, while inactive members with more than one contribution are eligible for P10,000.
Those with only one recorded contribution may receive P5,000.
Undocumented workers are not covered under OWWA and are instead referred to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) for separate assistance programs.
OWWA 7 data showed that in 2025, the office released P13.015 million in livelihood grants to 678 beneficiaries across Central Visayas, including 448 in Cebu, 133 in Bohol, 78 in Negros Oriental, and 19 in Siquijor.
From January to April 2026, P4.67 million has already been released to 322 beneficiaries, with Cebu accounting for the largest share at 237, followed by Bohol with 47, Negros Oriental with 35, and Siquijor with three.
OWWA 7 Workers Welfare Officer II Darlene Mae P. Gille said livelihood proposals vary depending on location, with urban applicants often choosing small retail businesses while those in rural areas typically pursue agriculture-based projects.
“Regardless kung unsa ilang i-propose nga project, as long as legit, as long as feasible sad ang projects sa ilang area or sa ilang residence, wala gyud na’y problema namo,” Gille said.
Applications are now subject to updated guidelines issued on April 20, 2026, which removed the requirement for site inspection of proposed projects. Applicants are now required to present certification or referral from migrant workers’ offices abroad confirming distress, displacement, or employment-related issues.
“Mao gyud to ang key requirement para mo qualify karon sa Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay program,” Gille said.
Before receiving assistance, applicants must also complete a one-day Entrepreneurship Development Training (EDT) conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through its Negosyo Centers, unless exempted due to an existing business.
OWWA 7 continues to accept walk-in applications across the region, including its office in Cebu City, satellite offices in Bohol and Negros Oriental, and PESO offices in Siquijor.
As of April 27, 2026, the agency has assisted 225 repatriated OFWs from the Middle East through airport and transportation support.
Of these, 15 have formally applied for the BPBH program—eight from Cebu, five from Bohol, and two from Negros Oriental.
Officials said actual interest is higher than recorded applications, as many returnees are still assessing their options after arriving in the country.
OWWA 7 said it will continue monitoring application trends as more repatriated OFWs return home and begin the process of reintegration or redeployment abroad.
Photo from Department of Migrant Workers
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