If you have been repatriated because of some reasons like COVID-19, the Philippine government has some programs for returned and returning Filipinos. One of these programs is called the Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay! program which provides cash assistance for livelihood worth PHP 20,000. Here we share more details about this Balik Pinas! program.
There are a couple of programs where you can participate. OWWA has programs specifically for Filipinos, for women, for students, and so on. You can apply to these programs if you think you are qualified. These are good alternatives especially if you don’t have an expected job when you return to the Philippines.
Also Read: Step-by-Step Application for DOLE-AKAP for OFWs
It’s great that the government, through OWWA is helping Filipino workers get reintegrated after working for some years abroad. With the existing programs of OWWA and other related agencies, it’s only a matter of time before OWWA creates other programs to help more Filipinos in the future.
As an OFW, if you haven’t asked for the assistance of DOLE or OWWA before, let us give you a brief background about this agency.
OWWA is the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration. It works under DOLE and is responsible for the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers and their dependents. As of this day, OWWA has 31 branches abroad, which are located in 27 countries. Domestically, OWWA has a presence in 17 regions in the Philippines.
What is Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay Program?
Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay is a livelihood cash assistance program initiated by DOLE to help OFWs who have returned to the country. The amount for the cash assistance is PHP 20,000.
So, if you have been laid off by your employer or your contract has been completed but you were not offered another chance to renew, you can still find a job in the Philippines through the help of the government.
Balik Pinas Cash Assistance
Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay is cash assistance worth PHP 20,000.00 that is given to active or non-active OWWA members. The targets of OWWA are those displaced by hostilities or wars/political conflicts, policy reforms or changes by host governments, victims of illegal recruitment or human trafficking or other distressful situations, distressed wards at the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Resource Centers who are due for repatriation and Repatriated OWWA-members who were employed by foreign employers which are beset with financial difficulties due to economic conditions.
Through this program, OFWs who decide to stay in the Philippines and work locally are given the chance to begin their own business after completing a series of training programs that are related to their line of business. For example, if a Filipino wants to establish his/her own spa studio, the training will be tailored to his chosen business. OWWA has a partnership as well with other agencies of the government such as TESDA and DTI.
Who can apply for Balik Pinas! program?
Generally, returned OFWs can apply for the said program. However, OWWA prioritizes OFWs who are the following:
- those displaced by hostilities or wars/political conflicts, policy reforms or changes by host governments, victims of illegal recruitment or human trafficking or other distressful situations,
- distressed wards at the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Resource Centers who are due for repatriation, and
- Repatriated OWWA-members who were employed by foreign employers who are beset with financial difficulties due to economic conditions
If you think you are one of those mentioned above, then you can apply for the said program and enjoy its benefits. The good thing about this program is that it prioritizes OFWs who are severely damaged from getting laid off. It provides them a new opportunity and a chance to start a new life.
Requirements for Balik Pinas Program
Now, you may be wondering what are the requirements to apply for this program. The following are the requirements according to the official website of OWWA:
- Application Form (with Undertaking that the cash assistance will be used solely for self-employment or for starting or expansion of livelihood project or business)
- Certificate of Entrepreneurial Development Training
- Business Plan/Proposal approved by RWO Director indicating sustainability/feasibility of the chosen livelihood undertaking
- Proof of repatriation or return to the Philippines (passport or travel documents, airline ticket)
Before you go to the office of DOLE or OWWA, make sure these things are ready.
Step by Step Application Process for Balik Pinas Balik Hanapbuhay Program
Below is a step by step guide on what you need to do in order to apply for the Balik Pinas program by OWWA:
- Submit the requirements to your nearest OWWA Regional Office in your area.
- Get your schedule for the Entrepreneurial Development Training seminar.
- Fill out a business plan and submit your requirements to the OWWA regional office.
- Wait for approval from OWWA.
Balik Pinas Balik Hanapbuhay Program Application Form
You can download the Balik Pinas Balik Hanapbuhay application form by doing to the OWWA official website. You can also get this application form by going to the nearest OWWA regional office in your location. Below is a photo sample of the Balik Pinas application form for your reference:
Current Beneficiaries of Balik Pinas! Program
This program has been running for a while now. In fact, more than 4,200 returned OFWs have been assisted already.
One of those people who have been given the opportunity through this program is Ariana Rae C. Abequibel. She was a previous Emergency Technician in the United Arab Emirates and was laid off because of Saudization. She was able to put up a barbeque business called Mama’s Homemade Longganisa and Barbeque Store when she discovered how these products are made. Through the help of the program, the products of Ariana are now famous not only because of her neighbors but also for the reason that more Filipinos are now patronizing her business.
Another Filipino who benefited from the program is Mr. Sabrin H. Asarin. He was working as a bartender before in Saudi Arabia. However, he decided to just go home and focus on his fish retailing business. With the help of the program, he was able to expand his business until he got his own rice retailing business as well. Today, he is a known supplier in his neighborhood and other near areas in Zamboanga City.
Ms. Bakil also benefited from the program. She was formerly abused in her job abroad. From being a housemaid, she became a successful businesswoman who grew her own sari-sari store. She is proudly running her business while she takes the tuition fees of her children from the income of her store. She is now the living testimony that there is nothing impossible if you believe and you work hard.
Video: Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay OWWA Livelihood Cash Aid
Check out this story of Evelyn Gonzon, a former Saudi OFW, who became a Balik Pinas! beneficiary and set up her small business to sell items in her province in Cebu:
Contact Information
To know more about this program, you may refer to the following contact details below:
DOLE
Address: DOLE Central Office Address: Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Building, Muralla Wing cor. General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila, 1002, Philippines
Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (except holidays)
Hotline: 1349
Websites: www.dole.gov.ph
NRCO
Address: Ground Floor Blas F. Ople Development Center (Old OWWA Building), Corner Solana and Victoria Streets, Intramuros, Manila
Email: nrcoreintegration@gmail.com
Website: www.nrco.gov.ph
POLICY PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT DIVISION (PPDD)
Melvin D. Caseda – Division Chief
Tel. No.: 527-6184 526-2633 (Telefax) ; 526-2392
Email: pdpmd.nrco@gmail.com
PROGRAM COORDINATION AND MONITORING DIVISION (PCMD)
Elizabeth C. Zambarrano – OIC, Division Chief
Tel. No.: 527-6184 526-2633 (Telefax) ; 526-2392
Email: pcmd.nrco@gmail.com
WORKERS REINTEGRATION TECHNICAL SUPPORT DIVISION (WRTSD)
Geronico M. Herrera – OIC, Division Chief
Tel. No.: 527-6184 526-2633 (Telefax) ; 526-2392
Email: wrtsd.nrco@gmail.com
OWWA
NCR Address: 2nd Floor STWLPC Bldg., #33, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Pasay, (besides KFC / LRT Gil Puyat)
Email: psd-ncr@owwa.gpv.ph; ncr@owwa.gov.ph; wau@owwa.gov.ph; language_trng@owwa.gov.ph
Contact numbers: Reintegration Unit – 834-0719
Website: www.owwa.gov.ph