Returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) will soon have more opportunities to invest, earn, and build their own businesses in the country’s thriving tourism sector, following a new partnership between the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
The two agencies formally sealed their collaboration for the Investment in Philippine Opportunities for Nation’s Tourism (IPON Tourism) program during a ceremonial signing held Thursday (Nov. 27) at the DOT Multipurpose Hall.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the program strengthens the government’s commitment to ensuring a meaningful and sustainable reintegration for OFWs—while also fueling growth in one of the country’s largest job-generating industries.
“Our workers abroad sustain families and fuel local communities. Meanwhile, tourism continues to create jobs, uplift enterprises, and drive regional development,” Frasco said. “Through this MOU and the expansion of our Balik Bayani sa Turismo program, we are uniting these two pillars of our economy so returning OFWs can thrive in a sector filled with opportunity and hope.”
IPON Tourism is now the most expansive component of the Balik Bayani sa Turismo (BBST) initiative launched in early 2024. It opens doors for OFWs to become partners, owners, or entrepreneurs in a wide range of tourism-related enterprises—spanning accommodations, transportation, logistics, and retail.
Among the program’s investment partners are Duty Free Philippines, Hotel 101 Global, Archipelago Philippine Ferries Corporation (FastCat), DOON Transport Technologies Inc., and 2GO Express Inc.
“These partnerships prove that the Philippine tourism industry is not only recovering but continuously widening its value chain,” Frasco added. “This ensures our OFWs can engage not just as employees, but as mentors, investors, and small-business owners.”
Growing Reintegration Opportunities for OFWs
Originally offering only two components, the BBST program has now expanded to include more financial and livelihood pathways for OFWs seeking stability and growth upon their return.
A key initiative under this expanded collaboration is the Tourism Livelihood Training, which equips OFWs with essential industry skills—from homestay operations and culinary tourism to farm tourism, tour-guiding, and micro-retail. After its successful pilot run in Pangasinan that trained 41 OFWs in August 2024, the program is set to expand to Isabela, Cebu, and Davao this December.
The BBST also includes the Teach-It-Forward Program, which allows OFWs to share their overseas expertise by serving as mentors, assessors, and resource speakers—helping raise the bar for tourism services nationwide.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac lauded the DOT for its continued support for OFWs and highlighted the vital role of tourism in uplifting migrant families and communities.
“Tourism is an important platform for OFWs. It expands their livelihood options, strengthens community ties, and contributes significantly to our national economy,” Cacdac said. “Sustainable tourism can transform OFW communities, create more local jobs, and deepen personal connections.”
Under the MOU, the DOT will create and promote tourism opportunities; the DMW will identify and endorse qualified OFWs; while private sector partners will present concrete investment and entrepreneurial options.
With this strengthened partnership, the government hopes to turn the homecoming of thousands of OFWs into the beginning of long-term success stories—rooted in tourism, local development, and a brighter future back home.
