Department of Migrant Workers Assists Returning OFWs in Isabela with Livelihood Training
Returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Isabela province are receiving support from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to establish sustainable livelihoods through a series of entrepreneurship and financial awareness seminars. The initiative aims to facilitate a smooth transition from overseas employment to local enterprise development.
Livelihood Training Program
The DMW Cagayan Valley conducted the third batch of its “Byaheng Entrepreneur” program, coupled with financial awareness and small business management training, on February 20th. This training is part of a week-long series of reintegration initiatives across the Cagayan Valley region .
Regional Director Rogelio T. Benitez emphasized that the training includes agricultural sessions and financial literacy components to qualify participants for the agency’s livelihood assistance programs .
The integrated training approach aims to equip returning OFWs with both the capital and the skills—technical and managerial—necessary to establish and operate sustainable businesses, particularly in the agricultural sector.
Success Story
Arvin Dumendeng, a former OFW who worked as an IT manager in Dubai for 15 years, serves as an example of successful reintegration. After returning to the Philippines in 2015, he transformed farmland acquired during his overseas employment into a thriving agri-enterprise. His farm is now an accredited training center of the Agricultural Training Institute under the Department of Agriculture.
During the training, OFW-beneficiaries had the opportunity to tour Dumendeng’s farm facilities and learn about modern agricultural techniques and sustainable farm management practices. This hands-on experience provided practical insights into converting savings into productive investments that contribute to food security and local economic growth.
Government Support for OFWs
The DMW stated that programs like “Byaheng Entrepreneur” are designed to empower OFWs in Isabela to pursue viable business ventures upon their return, ensuring that reintegration leads to long-term financial stability and community development .