Philippines – Filipino workers coming home from overseas now have a clearer path to rebuild their lives, with the government rolling out livelihood grants, job matching, and reintegration support.
According to the 2026 State of the Nation Address delivered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the Batasang Pambansa, Quezon City on July 27, 2026, returning OFWs can tap a range of programs designed to help them stand on their own feet, whether they choose to work locally or seek new opportunities abroad.
Livelihood Support for Those Starting Over
For OFWs who want to build a business or find a fresh source of income at home, two main programs are available:
- AKSYON Fund – financial assistance aimed at helping returning workers start or grow a livelihood
- OWWA-Kabuhayan Program – support geared toward small enterprises and income-generating projects
These programs give homecoming Filipinos a real chance to invest their savings wisely and secure a steadier future for their families.
Job Matching and Employment Help
Not every returning worker wants to run a business, and the government has plans for them too. Job matching services connect OFWs with employers through:
- PESO (Public Employment Service Office) – local job placement assistance
- Bayanihan para sa Balikbayang Manggagawa job fairs – events that link returning workers with hiring companies
Employment support covers both jobs within the Philippines and opportunities overseas, giving workers flexibility in deciding what comes next.
Repatriation Efforts Amid Middle East Tensions
The President also highlighted the government’s response to unrest in the Middle East, where thousands of Filipinos faced uncertainty and danger. He shared the scale of the assistance provided:
“Mahigit 12,000 kababayan natin ang ating naiuwi sa bansa nang ligtas. Mahigit 140,000 OFW naman ang ating nabigyan ng sari-saring tulong sa gitna ng kaguluhan sa Middle East, tulad ng pagkain, tulong-pinansyal, pagpapagamot, at masisilungan.”
That translates to more than 12,000 Filipinos brought home safely, and over 140,000 OFWs receiving different forms of aid during the crisis, including food, financial help, medical treatment, and shelter.
What This Means for OFWs
If you are planning to return home, these programs are worth looking into early. Reaching out to OWWA or your local PESO before or shortly after arriving can help you understand which support fits your goals.
Coming home does not have to mean starting from zero. With the right assistance, returning workers can turn years of sacrifice abroad into lasting stability for themselves and their loved ones.