Albay: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Thursday emphasized the importance of bringing government reintegration services closer to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as the BBM-National Reintegration Network (NRN) Caravan continued its rollout in Albay. Speaking during the caravan at the Albay Astrodome, DMW Assistant Secretary for Reintegration Services Francis Ron De Guzman said the program aims to ensure that returning OFWs receive sustained support beyond repatriation.
According to Philippines News Agency, De Guzman highlighted that the NRN is a whole-of-government initiative that combines services from various agencies to help OFWs and their families transition back into local communities. The program, initially comprising 16 government agencies, was formalized by a joint memorandum circular issued in response to a directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. As activities continue to expand, more government agencies are joining in to provide services for OFWs.
De Guzman said the reintegration program is anchored on three major pillars: aftercare or 'kalinga,' livelihood or employment opportunities, and skills upgrading. Under the 'kalinga' pillar, returning OFWs receive psychosocial support, health checkups, and medical assistance through partner agencies, including the Department of Health. He emphasized the importance of these interventions for distressed and repatriated OFWs, especially those affected by conflicts in the Middle East.
For livelihood support, the caravan offers local and overseas job opportunities through job fairs, employment matching, and government-to-government hiring arrangements in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment, Public Employment Service Offices, and private sector partners. Skills enhancement remains a critical component of reintegration, with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and local government units supporting upskilling programs to improve OFWs' opportunities.
De Guzman noted that Albay has now become the 12th BBM-NRN fair conducted nationwide since its launch in Quezon City last April. The caravan has since expanded to several areas nationwide, including Tacloban, and is set to continue in Isabela, Agusan, Butuan, Batangas, and Baguio. 'Wherever our OFWs are, we bring services to them because they must be supported,' De Guzman said.
Among the beneficiaries who attended the caravan was 60-year-old Eden Abadonio of Bacacay, Albay, who worked in Oman for nearly 17 years before being sent home due to health concerns. Although sent home without a return ticket, she sought assistance from the DMW and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and pursued a small business. Francisco Catimbang, 60, of Pili, Camarines Sur, also benefitted from the Expanded Livelihood Development Assistance Program after returning home from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, due to health complications. The assistance he received will help his family establish a small piggery business.
