The Overseas Filipino Workers – Enterprise Development and Loan Program (OFW-EDLP) offers financial support and enterprise training to Filipino entrepreneurs returning from working abroad. This livelihood initiative provides loans ranging from P100,000 to P5 million with low interest rates and flexible repayment options, aimed at helping start or grow livelihoods. It also includes seminars and training programs to equip migrant Filipino workers with the necessary skills for enterprise success. The initiative supports the creation of sustainable livelihoods for OFWs and their families, and contributes to the growth of the Philippines’ economy by supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
OFW-EDLP is important for both the individuals it helps and the broader economic development of the Philippines. It has enabled nearly 5,000 migrant workers to open or expand their livelihoods, which has led to the creation of around 4,000 jobs in 2021. This not only provides returning Filipino workers with an alternative to going back overseas but also significantly contributes to the national economy by boosting the SME sector. It reflects the government’s dedication to helping OFWs reintegrate into Philippine society by providing them with the means to achieve financial independence and contribute to economic strengthening.
What is the OFW – Enterprise Development and Loan Program?
The Overseas Filipino Workers – Enterprise Development and Loan Program (OFW-EDLP) is a government initiative offering financial and educational support to aspiring Filipino entrepreneurs returning from overseas work. It provides accessible loans (ranging from P100,000 to P5 million) with competitive interest rates and flexible repayment terms to help launch or expand livelihoods. Beyond finance, the initiative equips beneficiaries with entrepreneurial skills through pre-loan seminars and capacity-building programs. This empowering combination aims to create sustainable income opportunities for migrant Filipino workers and their families, contribute to job creation within the Philippines, and strengthen the country’s MSME-driven economy.
Significance of the Program
The Overseas Filipino Workers – Enterprise Development and Loan Program (OFW-EDLP) helps both individual and national development. In 2021 alone, it empowered nearly 5,000 OFWs and their families to establish or expand enterprises, creating almost 4,000 jobs. This not only provides alternative income options and financial security for returning Filipino workers but also contributes significantly to the Philippine economy.
Statistics paint a clear picture of the its impact. By supporting the MSME sector, the backbone of the Philippine economy, OFW-EDLP fuels job creation (estimated at 9,191 in 2021) and contributes to poverty reduction. Aligned with government legislation and development plans, the initiative strengthens the economy and empowers individuals, making it a valuable tool for both personal and national progress.
While further improvements can be made in terms of accessibility and long-term support, the data paints a promising picture. The OFW-EDLP is demonstrably empowering migrant Filipino workers and contributing to a stronger Philippine economy.
Benefits
The initiative is designed to aid OFWs in establishing or expanding enterprises through access to capital. It offers loans for various projects, including franchising, agri-business, manufacturing, construction, and more, with the aim of generating sustainable income for migrant Filipino workers and their families.
Loan Amount:
- Accessible minimum: It offers a minimum loanable amount of P100,000, making it suitable for starting small livelihoods or expanding existing ones.
- Scalable to needs: The loan ceiling goes up to P2 million for single proprietorships and P5 million for group enterprises, allowing for flexibility based on your project’s requirements.
- Focus on micro-entrepreneurship: While the maximum amounts are not huge, they align with the typical needs of micro-entrepreneurs, which is the program’s target audience.
Other Benefits:
- Competitive interest rate: The fixed interest rate of 7.5% per annum is lower than many commercial loan options, making the loan more affordable.
- Flexible repayment terms: You can choose between short-term loans with a maximum of one year or term loans with up to seven years, including a grace period, to fit your cash flow projections.
- Collateral options: While collateral is required, it can be the object of financing itself, which can be helpful for those with limited assets.
- Partnership with banks: The initiative collaborates with Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), providing access to established financial institutions with a wide network of branches.
- Support beyond finance: OWWA offers pre-loan seminars and capacity-building projects to help borrowers prepare for enterprise ownership.
Eligibility / Qualifications
To qualify for OFW-EDLP, applicants must be certified OWWA members, either active or non-active, who have completed the Enhanced Entrepreneurial Development Training (EEDT).
It accommodates both individuals and groups, with specific provisions for legal representation through a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) for those currently employed overseas or about to leave the Philippines.
Requirements
Key requirements include OWWA certification, completion of the EEDT, and a viable business plan. For loan security, the initiative accepts mortgageable project assets among other forms of collateral.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for the OFW-EDLP Loan Project
- Orientation and Eligibility Screening: Visit your nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office for an initial orientation and to undergo eligibility screening.
- Secure OWWA Certification: Obtain the necessary certification from OWWA, indicating your eligibility for the initiative.
- Project Evaluation: Approach the LANDBANK Lending Center or Unit closest to your residence or proposed business location for further information and evaluation of your project proposal.
Success Stories / Recent Updates
Empowering OFWs to Become Successful Entrepreneurs through OFW-EDLP Orientation
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA CAR) Enterprise Development and Loan Program (OFW-EDLP) recently organized an orientation for overseas Filipino workers in Apayao province. The orientation aimed to equip them with valuable information and guidance on starting or expanding their own livelihoods. By providing financial assistance, expert insights, and networking opportunities, the OFW-EDLP orientation has the potential to transform the lives of migrant Filipino workers, enabling them to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams and attain financial independence.
In line with the Enterprise Development and Loan Program (EDLP), OWWA XI conducted a Business Loan Orientation and Business Mindsetting to empower overseas Filipino workers in Davao Region to explore entrepreneurial opportunities and foster a mindset for enterprise success. The orientation provided valuable insights on the loan program, while the enterprise mindsetting aimed to nurture the entrepreneurial spirit among migrant Filipino workers, instilling confidence and a positive mindset for overcoming challenges in the entrepreneurial landscape.
In November 2023, OWWA XI organized a Business Loan Orientation and Business Mindsetting Seminar as part of the Enterprise Development and Loan Program (EDLP). The event, held in Davao City, attracted thirty-one returning Filipino workers and dependents eager to start their own livelihoods. OWWA XI Officers, Cristine D. Villacorta and Melody Ember P. Tomas, led the seminar, equipping participants with valuable insights on enterprise management and business plan preparation.
The OWWA RWO XI, in collaboration with LOAN Program, launched a one-day livelihood immersion where 30 migrant Filipino workers and their families participated in Magnum Guns Ammo and Gunsmith in Poblacion, Laak, Davao de Oro on November 15, 2023. This initiative provided an opportunity for them to pursue their dream of starting their own enterprise.
In support of the Enterprise Development and Loan Program (EDLP), OWWA XI organized a workshop on writing a business plan and simple bookkeeping. The workshop, held on November 14, 2023, aimed to equip twenty-nine returning Filipino workers and their dependents with the necessary skills to establish their enterprises through OWWA’s business loan initiative. Reintegration Focal, Cristine D. Villacorta, provided valuable insights on business plan writing, simple bookkeeping, and enterprise management, followed by a hands-on session where participants prepared their plans. This activity enabled them to fulfill one of the requirements for applying for the loan and gain knowledge on enterprise development.
Conclusion
The OFW-Enterprise Development and Loan Program (OFW-EDLP) represents a significant step towards financial independence and sustainable development for Overseas Filipino Workers and their families. By providing access to capital and support for enterprise development, OFW-EDLP empowers migrant Filipino workers to leverage their skills and resources for long-term success. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities of the global economy, initiatives like OFW-EDLP underscore the support systems in ensuring the welfare and prosperity of our modern-day heroes, the OFWs.