May 1 is celebrated globally as Labor Day, honoring the hard work of laborers. In addition to this, the Philippines observes ‘OFW Family Day.’ Although not a public holiday, the government organizes special events for the families of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), focusing on their welfare and ofw support program.
On December 20, 2023, OFW Family Day was marked by a press conference led by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who acknowledged the efforts of OFWs and their families and announced various government support programs.
Let’s explore the OFW family support programs provided by the Philippine government.
Livelihood Development Assistance Program(LDAP)
The “Livelihood Development Assistance Program” (LDAP) of the Philippine government is an initiative focused on supporting Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families through financial assistance and resources for starting or enhancing small-scale businesses.
It aims to help OFWs transition from overseas employment to managing their businesses back in the Philippines, fostering economic stability and self-reliance. The program offers financial grants for eligible OFWs and their families, which can be used as capital for ventures such as a sari-sari store, a small farm, or a service-oriented enterprise. In addition to financial aid, LDAP provides training programs in business management, financial literacy, and specific skills to equip OFWs with the necessary knowledge for successful entrepreneurship.
Generally open to returning OFWs or their immediate family members, the program requires proof of overseas employment and a feasible business plan for eligibility. The application process includes submitting an application, attending training sessions, and presenting a business proposal.
OFW Children Circle
The “OFW Children Circle” is a program by the Philippine government focusing on the children of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). It’s designed to provide support and guidance to these children, considering the unique challenges they face due to the absence of their OFW parents.
The program includes educational and psychological support, activities for personal development, and social integration initiatives. For instance, an OFW’s child might participate in counseling sessions, educational workshops, or community activities organized under this program, helping them cope with the challenges of having parents working abroad.
Financial Awareness Seminar-Small Business Management Training
The “Financial Awareness Seminar-Small Business Management Training” is a program tailored for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). It focuses on equipping OFWs with essential financial management skills and small business management knowledge.
This training aims to help OFWs better manage their earnings and to provide them with the necessary skills to start and sustain their businesses when they return to the Philippines. For example, an OFW participating in this program might learn about budgeting, investment, and the basics of running a small business, which they could then apply to start their own enterprise in the Philippines.
Enterprise Development Loan Program(OFW-EDLP)
The “Enterprise Development Loan Program (OFW-EDLP)” is a loan program by the Philippine government for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). It offers financial assistance for starting or expanding a business.
The program provides access to capital with minimal interest rates and collateral requirements. For instance, an OFW can use this loan to open a small restaurant or retail store in the Philippines, leveraging the skills and capital gained while working abroad.
In addition, there are government support programs such as Balik Pinas, Balik Hanap-Buhay, and Tulong PUSO, which are similar to the LDAP introduced above. They provide financial support to OFWs who have returned to their home countries.