OWWA upgrades livelihood program for returning OFWs

The Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay! (BPBH) livelihood program of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has been upgraded to better serve returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

From being a non-cash assistance program for returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), the BPBH now includes a 120,000 assistance package.

It also includes entrepreneurship de- velopment trainings necessary for returning OFWs to jumpstart their business ventures.

“The essence of BPBH is to teach OFWs to be their own bosses, hence we have to teach them the value of self-reliance and, eventually, self-esteem.” OWWA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac said.

“Since the businesses will be their own, they should be able to sustain the interest to make it as their means of livelihood, thus making the most out of the revolving capital, Cacdac added.

OWWA will also offer additional assistance to its member beneficiaries by referring potential marketing linkages, and partnering with other government institutions such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Department of Agriculture (DA), among others, to help OFWs learn the ropes in technical aspects as well as techniques in marketing strategies to sustain the livelihood project.

Interested OFWs are advised to apply at the nearest OWWA regional or log on to the OWWA website at www.owwa.gov.ph. They can likewise get more information and details by calling up 891-7601 up to 24, local 5217or contacting the OWWA OPCEN via telephone numbers 833-6992 or mobile number 0917-5908654.