The Department of Tourism (DOT) has formally entered into a partnership with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) for the Investment in Philippine Opportunities for Nation’s Tourism (IPON Tourism) program, allowing returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to invest in tourism-related properties and activities as partners, owners, or entrepreneurs.
Speaking at the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the DOT Multipurpose Hall in Makati City on Thursday (Nov. 27), Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco emphasized that these efforts not only support the sustainable reintegration of OFWs into the country but also reinforce tourism as a pathway to economic opportunities.
”Our workers abroad sustain families and local communities, while tourism generates jobs, supports enterprises, and drives regional growth. Today’s signing of our MOU, a continuation of our Balik Bayani sa Turismo program through IPON Tourism, brings these two pillars of our economy together so that returning OFWs can reintegrate into a sector that is expanding and full of opportunity and hope,” Secretary Frasco said.
Touted as the newest and most expansive component of the Balik Bayani sa Turismo (BBST) partnership launched in January 2024, the IPON Tourism program bridges the country’s modern-day heroes with income opportunities in public and private sector entities from the accommodations, transportation, sales, and logistics industries, among others.
The program’s investment partners include Duty Free Philippines, Hotel 101 Global, Archipelago Philippine Ferries Corporation (FastCat), DOON Transport Technologies Inc., and 2GO Express, Inc.
“These partnerships show that the tourism industry is not only growing, but is continuously expanding its value chain so that our OFWs can participate as workers, mentors, investors, and small-business owners,” the Tourism Chief added.
Balik Bayani sa Turismo Programs
Originally comprised of only two components, the BBST program now presents returning OFWs with more financial windows in tourism-related businesses to ensure that stable economic opportunities await their return to the country.
Part of this partnership is the rollout of the Tourism Livelihood Training, which equips returning OFWs with relevant information, industry knowledge, and practical skills that help them pursue meaningful and long-term careers in the tourism sector.
This capacity-building initiative spans tourism-allied industries, including homestay, culinary, farm tourism, tour-guiding, and micro-retail. Following its successful pilot run that trained 41 OFWs in Pangasinan in August 2024, more Tourism Livelihood Trainings are set to be rolled out in Isabela, Cebu, and Davao this December.
Apart from this, the BBST also consists of the Teach-it-Forward Program, which honors the years of experience of OFWs by providing them the opportunity to mentor, assess, and share their knowledge as resource speakers and assessors in line with programs toward the development of Philippine tourism.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac expressed his gratitude to DOT for its commitment to empowering migrant workers and connecting them to opportunities in tourism and its allied sectors.
“Tourism is relevant to OFWs. It’s an opportunity to further the OFW experience, to create livelihood and employment, and to strengthen, of course, our national economy. Sustainable tourism helps transform OFW communities to create more jobs, personal connections, and strengthen local economies,” Secretary Cacdac said.
Under the memorandum of understanding, the DOT will primarily provide opportunities for OFWs in the tourism sector; the DMW shall endorse qualified OFWs interested in tourism investment and livelihood; while the private entities shall present the investment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
