The Balik Pinay! Balik Hanapbuhay! Program, launched in 2011, is a targeted project by the Philippine government to support returning Pinay OFWs who have faced distressing situations while working abroad. It stands out as it specifically caters to Filipina migrant workers, offering them a lifeline to start anew through livelihood assistance. This comprehensive program provides not just the necessary skills training but also the resources needed to embark on livelihood projects, aiming to alleviate financial challenges and promote self-employment among these women. Through such targeted assistance, the program endeavors to empower these workers to become self-reliant and economically independent upon their return to the Philippines.
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by Filipina OFWs, the program is designed to serve as a crucial support system for those displaced due to various adversities such as contract terminations, abuse, or socio-economic vulnerabilities. Eligible beneficiaries, including distressed or displaced workers, victims of human trafficking or illegal recruitment, and those who have suffered physical or sexual abuse, can access a range of benefits. These include a livelihood grant, skills training through accredited institutions, business development knowledge, and enhanced employment opportunities. By addressing the needs of Filipina OFWs with such a targeted approach, the Balik Pinay! Balik Hanapbuhay! Program not only assists in their immediate reintegration but also contributes to their long-term welfare and success in the Philippines.
What is the Balik Pinay! Balik Hanapbuhay! Program?
The Balik Pinay! Balik Hanapbuhay! Program is a livelihood assistance aid created in 2011, designed specifically for Filipina OFWs who return to the country under distressing circumstances. Unlike its counterpart, Balik Pinas Balik Hanapbuhay, this program exclusively serves displaced or distressed Filipina migrant workers. It aims to provide these women with the necessary skills and resources to start their own livelihood projects, thereby overcoming financial challenges and fostering self-employment.
Significance of the Program
The Balik Pinay! Balik Hanapbuhay! Program by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is a program to empower Filipino female migrant workers to return home and establish their own businesses. This program recognizes the vast contributions of OFWs, particularly women, to the Philippine economy, with data from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) showing over 4,251 individuals benefiting from the program in just one region. By providing training and financial assistance, the Program directly addresses Republic Act No. 10022, or the “Migrant Workers Act” law, which promotes the reintegration of OFWs back into Philippine society and the workforce. This program empowers women to become entrepreneurs, fostering economic opportunities within the Philippines and creating a smoother transition back home after years of working abroad.
Legal Basis
The program is implemented by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and managed by the National Reintegration Center for OFWs. It operates under the umbrella of reintegration programs mandated by the Philippine government to support returning OFWs, focusing on those who have faced adversities abroad such as abuse, contract termination, and socio-economic vulnerabilities.
Benefits
Beneficiaries of the Balik Pinay! Balik Hanapbuhay! Program enjoy a multitude of benefits designed to assist in their reintegration and financial independence:
- Livelihood Grant: Eligible beneficiaries receive a grant comprising Php 2,500 for training and Php 7,500 for a starter kit for a total of Php 10,000 in financial assistance.
- Skills Training: Beneficiaries gain access to multiple skills training services through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and other accredited institutions.
- Business Development Knowledge: The program offers knowledge in planning, setting up, starting, and operating a business or livelihood project.
- Enhanced Employment Opportunities: It equips participants with skills that enhance their employability in the local market.
Eligibility / Qualifications
Eligibility for the Balik Pinay! Balik Hanapbuhay! Program is specifically for:
- Distressed Pinay OFWs under temporary shelter provided by POLO
- Displaced Filipina migrant workers due to conflicts and hostilities
- Victims of human trafficking, illegal recruitment, physical and sexual abuse, and pre-terminated contracts
- Other displaced or distressed women workers
Requirements
To qualify for the program, applicants need to prepare:
- Application form (obtained from OWWA)
- Business plan (developed with OWWA guidance)
- Proof of OWWA membership
- Two recent passport-sized photos
- Narrative explaining your reason for returning (if applicable)
- Proof of situation causing your return (e.g., job loss, conflict)
- Passport
- Map or address indicating your planned business location
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for OWWA Balik Pinay
- Visit the OWWA Regional Welfare Office: Locate the OWWA office covering your permanent address in the Philippines. You can find their contact details and locations on the OWWA website.
- Secure a queuing number and wait for your turn.
- Submit the required documents listed above.
- Attend the Enterprise Development Training (EDT) session: This mandatory training equips you with the skills needed to launch and manage your business.
- Submit your completed application and all requirements after the EDT.
- Await the Business Site Inspection by the OWWA RWO. This verifies the feasibility of your business location.
- Upon approval, claim the financial assistance for your business venture.
Success Stories / Recent Updates
LOOK: 22 OFWs from EB Magalona Receive DMW Livelihood Assistance
Twenty-two distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) residing in various barangays of EB Magalona have been granted livelihood assistance worth P10,000 through the “Balik ‘Pinay, Balik Hanapbuhay” Program of the Department of Migrant Workers – National Reintegration Center for OFWs (DMW-NRCO). The assistance was facilitated by the Office of Mayor Marvin Malacon, OFWs Help Desk, and Migrant Help Desk, with the turnover ceremonies held at the POEA Office in Bacolod City on Feb. 5 and 12.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is set to provide a range of services at the upcoming BAGONG PILIPINAS Serbisyo Fair on January 27th and 28th in Botolan. These services include pre-employment counseling, anti-illegal recruitment and trafficking seminars, assistance to OFW families, and reintegration programs such as livelihood development and job placement opportunities.
The QC PESO Migrant Resource Center, in collaboration with the Department of Migrant Workers, OWWA, and other social partners, organized the 1st Balikbayan: Reintegration Fair. This event aimed to empower distressed OFWs by providing them with resources, knowledge, and skills to become self-reliant and contribute to the country’s economic growth. The fair included the awarding of financial assistance to 85 beneficiaries, as well as financial literacy training and a One-Stop Shop activity to support their reintegration process.
28 distressed workers received entrepreneurial development training under the Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay (BPBH) program of OWWA, while 26 distressed Filipina OFWs underwent orientation and training for the said program of the DMW. The training aimed to assist the OFWs in reintegrating into the country and provided them with essential knowledge on OWWA programs, services, and business plan making for livelihood assistance applications.
Entrepreneurial Development Training for OFWs held in Zamboanga City, organized by the Department of Migrant Workers Region IX in collaboration with OWWA and TESDA, was a success. The one-day training saw the participation of 53 undocumented and irregular OFWs, who are beneficiaries of the Balik-Pinay Balik-Hanapbuhay program and LDAP. The workshop featured Ms. Charity Mae Santander from TESDA as the resource speaker for the “Be Your Own Boss” session, while Mr. Sherwin Mendizabel of NRCO provided insights on writing a simple business proposal.
Video: OWWA XI Balik Pinay! Balik Hanapbuhay! Beneficiary Testimony Lydia Benavente from Davao Del Sur.
Former overseas Filipino worker, Lydia Benavente, who previously worked as a domestic worker in Hong Kong, has successfully established her own kakanin business in Matanao, Davao del Sur. This achievement was made possible through the Balik Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay program of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration-National Reintegration Center for OFWs (OWWA-NRCO).
Conclusion
The Balik Pinay! Balik Hanapbuhay! Program stands as a testament to the Philippine government’s commitment to supporting the welfare and economic reintegration of Filipina OFWs returning under distress. By providing essential skills training, financial assistance, and business development knowledge, the program empowers these women to start anew, fostering financial independence and contributing to their socio-economic well-being. For Filipina OFWs facing the challenges of reintegration, this program offers a beacon of hope and a pathway to a brighter, self-sufficient future.