QUEZON CITY —The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reinforced its commitment to the welfare and economic empowerment of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) with the signing of the joint memorandum circular (JMC) establishing the National Reintegration Network (NRN). The ceremonial signing, held on June 7, at the OSHC Compound in Quezon City, represents a pivotal step towards providing comprehensive and sustainable support for OFWs returning to the Philippines.
Headed by the Department of Migrant Workers, sixteen government agencies signed the JMC, marking the 30th anniversary of National Migrant Workers' Day. This signifies a whole-of-government commitment to ensuring OFWs receive seamless and dignified support throughout their journey.
A core focus of the DTI's involvement in the NRN is the crucial role of entrepreneurship in securing the financial future of OFWs and their families. DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque emphasized that entrepreneurship is the most powerful tool to ensure that the hard-earned income of OFWs can be sustained and passed down through generations, with the ultimate goal that future generations will not need to become OFWs.
“The story of our OFWs is one of courage and sacrifice. As a mother, a daughter, and a fellow Filipino, I feel the weight of those sacrifices. That is why under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision for a ‘Bagong Pilipinas,’ we are committed to turning every sacrifice into a springboard for success,” Secretary Roque declared.
“We want your hard-earned income to become the seed of a business that grows, endures, and sustains your family—so that one day, our children no longer have to leave home to dream," the trade chief added.
The DTI is actively working to enhance the accessibility of entrepreneurial services for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). This is achieved through various channels, including on-the-ground support, online platforms, and one-stop reintegration centers.
Secretary Roque further affirmed the government's steadfast commitment, stating, "To our OFWs, you left with courage. You returned with experience. Now we commit to walking beside you as you build your second journey right here at home".
The NRN's framework outlines mechanisms for cooperation, coordination, and resource-sharing among government agencies, identifying suitable programs for OFW reintegration across all phases of labor migration. This comprehensive network, resulting from extensive discussions and collaboration with government agency partners, including the DTI, also provides for the establishment of physical and virtual Reintegration One-Stop Centers. PR