Bagong Balikbayan Act

/ . Senate Office of the Secretary APR -7 P4:23 TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) First Regular Session RECEIVED BY: SENATE Senate Bill No. 2029 Introduced by Senator Erwin T. Tulfo AN ACT ESTABLISHING A COMPREHENSIVE, INTEGRATED AND SUSTAINABLE REINTEGRATION PROGRAM FOR OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS EXPLANATORY NOTE Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) remain vital to the Philippine economy, with personal remittances amounting to US$35.7 billion' and an estimated OFW population of over two million worldwide? Despite this, many returning OFWs face unemployment, inadequate livelihood options, and limited access to coordinated reintegration support especially those repatriated due to conflict, abuse, economic instability, or other emergencies. This bill, to be known as the "Bagong Balikbayan Act," establishes a comprehensive and sustainable full-cycle reintegration program that addresses the economic, social, and psychosocial needs of OFWs before return, during overseas employment, and upon arrival in the Philippines. 1 Xinhua, Philippine personal remittances hit 3.23 bln USD in November 2025, January 15, 2026, retrieved from: https://english.news.cn/20260115/af61abd8d2b34ed39c3e5df4f6ce958f/c.html, retrieved on January 24, 2026. 2 Desiderio, Louella, OFWs rise to 2.19 million in 2024 - PSA, December 19, 2025, retrieved from: https://www.philstar.com/business/2025/12/19/2495253/ofws-rise-219-million-2024-psa, retrieved on January 24, 2026.

It strengthens the role of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) through the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) as the lead agency, creates a National Reintegration Network for integrated service delivery, and institutionalizes digital systems for job matching, skills recognition, training, entrepreneurship support, and access to financing. The measure also ensures reintegration services are available to all returnee-OFWs, including undocumented workers, and provides psychosocial assistance and social protection for OFWs and their families. In view of the urgent need to make reintegration more accessible, coordinated, and outcomes-driven, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly sought.

Senate Office of the Secretarp TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE APR -7 P4:23 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) First Regular Session RECEIVED BY: SENATE Senate Bill No. 2029 Introduced by Senator Erwin T. Tulfo AN ACT ESTABLISHING A COMPREHENSIVE, INTEGRATED, AND SUSTAINABLE REINTEGRATION PROGRAM FOR OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as "Bagong

Balikbayan Act."

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State recognizes the

5 invaluable contributions of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to 6 national development and is committed to upholding their fundamental 7 rights, including the right to equal opportunity, decent living, dignity, 8 and participation in decision-making processes affecting their lives and well-being. It is the declared policy of the State to implement a comprehensive and sustainable reintegration program for all returning OFWs that addresses their economic, social, and psychosocial needs throughout the migration cycle. By fostering collaboration between public and private stakeholders, the State ensures these programs are customized to provide access to local employment, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy, ultimately aiming for economic self-sufficiency

and social stability for workers and their families. Through these integrated efforts, the State commits to creating an environment where overseas migration becomes a matter of choice rather than a necessity.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms - As used in this Act, the following

terms are defined as follows: a) Full-cycle Reintegration Program refers to interventions starting with the pre-departure stage, on-site support during employment, and assistance upon return; b) Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) refers to a Filipino who is to be engaged, is engaged, or has been engaged in remunerated activity in a country of which he or she is not an immigrant, citizen, or permanent resident or is not awaiting naturalization, recognition, or admission, whether land-based or sea-based regardless of status; excluding a Filipino engaged under a government-recognized exchange visitor program for cultural and educational purposes; c) Reintegration refers to a multi-dimensional process enabling OF Ws to re-establish economic, social, and psychosocial well- being upon return; and d) Undocumented OFW refers to an OF not registered with the Philippine government as an OFW, or whose documents are incomplete or invalid.

SEC. 4. Applicability. - This Act shall apply to all returnee-

OFWs, irrespective of their classification and status, including: a) Land-based and sea-based OF Ws; b) Documented or undocumented OF Ws; c) OFWs who have been voluntarily or mandatorily repatriated, regardless of the grounds for such repatriation; d) OFWs returning to the country due to retirement or upon the termination of their employment contract; and

e) OFWs returning to the country due to distressing circumstances in the host country, such as war or conflict, economic instability, abuse or exploitation, pandemics, natural disasters or diplomatic fallout. This Act shall also extend to OFWs who require targeted assistance, including senior or solo parent OFWs. Furthermore, the families of returnee-OF Ws shall likewise be covered and benefited by 9 the provisions of this Act, subject to and as may be further detailed within the implementing rules and regulations promulgated hereto.

SEC. 5. Institutional Framework for Reintegration. -

a) Lead Agency. The DMW through the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) shall, in coordination with the OWWA, serve as the primary agency responsible for the implementation of the full-cycle reintegration program. b) Role of the NRCO. The NRCO shall function as the central coordination mechanism to: (1) enhance participation of all stakeholders to achieve transformative, effective, and efficient delivery of services to returnee-OF Ws and their families; and (2) ensure the harmonized and synergized implementation of the full-cycle national reintegration policy and program. The NRCO shall formulate reintegration frameworks, strategies and standards that address the economic, social and psychosocial aspects of return, and shall lead the coordination of relevant government agencies, local government units, and partners from the private sector and civil society. Together with the OWWA, it shall implement reintegration programs and services in accordance with established plans, policies and guidelines. It shall maintain a centralized reintegration database, undertake policy and program research, and ensure that all reintegration initiatives are coherent, evidence-based, and aligned with national migration and development priorities.

c) Role of MWOs and OWWA Overseas Welfare Offices (OWOS). The MWOs together with the OWOS shall be strengthened to enable them to provide reintegration counseling and support services directly to OFWs onsite, including undocumented workers.

SEC. 6. National Reintegration Network (NRN). - The NRN shall

be established through formal partnership agreements with relevant government and private partner agencies. It shall serve to strengthen and institutionalize collaborative efforts aimed at ensuring the effective delivery of reintegration programs and services. The NRN shall facilitate convenient and seamless access to such services through the creation of both Physical and Online One-Stop-Shops, wherein all relevant programs and services are integrated and made available on a unified platform. All government agencies and instrumentalities offering services to OF Ws shall form part of the NRN.

SEC. 7. Returnee-OFWs Management Information System

(ROMIS) and Reintegration Management System (RMS). - a) Establishment of ROMIS. The DMW shall establish and maintain the ROMIS, which shall serve as the primary information network and database containing information on the educational attainment, skill levels, and experience of all returning OFWs. The ROMIS shall function as a referral system to the private sector and government institutions to facilitate job matching, possible hiring, and/or skills upgrading. b) Development and Function of RMS. Within the ROMIS framework, the DMW shall finalize the development and operationalization of the RMS. The RMS shall be an online system and platform designed to streamline the reintegration process for returnee-OF Ws. It shall provide access to a range of services, including financial literacy programs, livelihood training, and access to funding opportunities.

SEC. 8. Components of Reintegration Services. - Reintegration

services shall include the following components provided at relevant stages of the migration cycle: a) Pre-Departure: 1. Mandatory pre-departure orientation seminars covering for available reintegration services and support undocumented OF Ws; 2. Financial literacy training focused on management of earnings and future planning; and 3. Family counseling on coping mechanisms for separation and eventual reunification. b) On-site: 1. Provision of accessible support services through MWOs for OFWs in distress, including undocumented workers; 2. Opportunities for skills development and training designed to enhance employability upon return; and 3. Establishment of mechanisms for addressing exploitation and abuse, ensuring access to legal and psychosocial support c) Upon Return: 1. Provision of personalized reintegration counseling and case management to develop tailored reintegration plans; 2. Delivery of economic reintegration assistance, including facilitation of job placement, entrepreneurship training, and access to financing; 3. Facilitation of social reintegration support, covering access to housing, documentation, education, healthcare, and social protection schemes; 4. Provision of psychosocial support services addressing mental health concerns and challenges from migration; and 5. Grant of special attention to the needs of vulnerable OFWs, particularly victims of trafficking, persons with

disabilities, and those with specific medical or psychosocial needs.

SEC. 9. Initiation of Reintegration Process. - The reintegration

process for concerned OF Ws shall be initiated by the relevant Migrant 6 Workers Offices (MWOs) six (6) months before the intended return of 7 the OFW to the Philippines. This process shall commence by providing 8 access to any of the four (4) paths for reintegration, namely: a) Education, upskilling/reskilling/retooling/micro- credentialing (Kaalaman); b) Psychosocial and social support services (Kalinga); c) Entrepreneurship (Negosyo); and d) Employment (Hanapbuhay).

SEC. 10. Pre-Return and Reintegration Orientation Seminar

(PRROS). - There shall be a PRROS to be offered by MWOs worldwide, similar in intent to pre-employment, pre-departure, and post-arrival orientation seminars, but concentrating on essential information for a returning OFW seeking to be reintegrated back into the Philippine economy and society.

SEC. 11. Access to Employment Opportunities and Qualification

Recognition. - a) Job Fairs. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), together with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) shall, in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Civil Service Commission (CSC), Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of the Local Government Units (LGUs), and other government agencies, and in partnership with concerned business chambers and groups in the private sector, private enterprises recognized for ensuring security of tenure, humane conditions of work, and a living

wage, plan and conduct regular series of job fairs in strategic sites and LGUs where there are significant presence of returnee-OF Ws. These job fairs shall facilitate employment opportunities in: (1) The private sector; (2) The national or local government, including their agencies, bureaus, offices, instrumentalities, and government-owned and/or -controlled corporations (GOCCs), for civil service qualified OF Ws; and (3) Academic and non-academic positions in public schools, and state colleges and universities. Such job fairs shall take into consideration the specific skills, credentials, eligibilities, and experience acquired by OFWs from working overseas. b) Expanded Employment Facilitation. The DMW and other concerned government agencies shall expand the employment facilitation offering for OFWs in the public, private, and development sectors based on progressive eligibility or qualification criteria, in partnership with the relevant national government agencies, the Private Sector Advisory Council, industry and/or professional associations, and other stakeholders. c) Civil Service Eligibility. The CSC shall formulate guidelines to grant appropriate civil service eligibility to non-civil service qualified OFWs, based on the education, training, and experience they acquired while living or working overseas. d) Skills and Academic Recognition. The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the CHED shall provide the necessary rules and regulations to grant pertinent national certification or appropriate degree diploma(s), respectively, recognizing the education, training, and experience OFWs acquired while living or working overseas.

SEC. 12. Business-Oriented Capacity-Building Training. -

a) Provision of Training. The DOLE shall, in coordination with the DTI and the DA, provide Business-Oriented Capacity- Building Training for OFWs who are seeking to set up their businesses. b) Training Focus Areas. The training shall focus on the following key areas: (1) Business conceptualization and the conduct of feasibility studies; (2) Registration and all other administrative matters related to creating one's own business; (3) Safe and sustainable business financing, incorporating the DMW's Financial Awareness Seminar-Small Business Management Training (FAS-SBMT), which promotes financial awareness and provides training for the development and management of small businesses; (4) Business promotion/advertising/marketing; and (5) Service/product delivery. c) Enhancement of FAS-SBMT and Collaboration. The DMW's FAS-SBMT shall have strengthened program coordination and shall expand its offerings. Pursuant thereto, the DMW shall collaborate with concerned national government agencies and stakeholders to provide co-opportunities for entrepreneurship development, incubation, marketing, and mentoring. d) DA Agricultural Credit Policy Council Support. The DA's ACPC shall offer capacity building support alongside its credit programs. The DA and its ACPC shall provide services specifically designed for those engaged in the agri-fishery sector. This support shall be made available to returnee-OFWs applying for ACPC's loan programs to assist them in acquiring the necessary skills and improving their business management. e) Small Business Corporation (SB Corp). The SB Corp, a government-owned and controlled corporation operating under the Department of Trade and Industry, shall support

reintegration efforts by providing capacity-building programs and access to credit facilities. f) Mentorship Facilitation. The training provided under this Section shall also serve as a means by which returnee-OF Ws are assisted in finding and connecting with mentors in the business sector, particularly those established in the industry the returnee-OF W intends to enter. g) Prioritization. Prioritization for participation in the training and related support under this Section shall be given to those returnee-OFWs with no background in establishing or operating their own businesses, particularly those intending to establish a single proprietorship.

SEC. 13. Dedicated Financing and Loan Programs. -

a) Development and Provision. The DMW and the OWWA shall, in coordination with the Department of Finance (DOF), the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the DA, particularly its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS) and ACPC, Government Financial Institutions (GFIs), and qualified Private Financial Institutions, develop and provide dedicated financing or loan programs. b) Purpose and Terms. These programs shall facilitate the establishment, operation, sustainability, or expansion of enterprises and livelihood projects, including Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), owned by returnee- OFWs, under minimal and affordable terms and conditions. c) Eligibility and Support. (1) The dedicated programs under this section shall primarily cater to returnee-OFWs with no existing enterprise or livelihood project. (2) Returnee- OFWs with an existing enterprise that is dismally performing shall also be eligible: Provided, That the DMW, OWWA, DOF, DBM, DA (through AMAS and ACPC), and GFIs shall provide financial and other support, including technical

guidance, necessary to GFIs shall provide financial and other support, including technical guidance, necessary to revitalize the undertaking. (3) Returnee-OF Ws with existing enterprises deemed robust may be referred to the standing programs of the DTI for appropriate assistance.

SEC. 14. Program for Qualified OFWs to Teach in the Academe.

8 - The DMW shall, in coordination with the CHED and TESDA, 9 provide a program to invite qualified and highly-skilled OF Ws to teach in colleges/universities recognized by the CHED and/or in training centers accredited by the TESDA.

SEC. 15. Social Assistance Measures. - The DMW shall,

together with the OWWA, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the DA, include returnee-OF Ws as beneficiaries in their respective social protection and other programs. The DMW and OWWA, through their regional offices, shall encourage community engagements for returnee-OFWs and their families. All reintegration programs and services, including social assistance measures under this Act, shall be guided by the principles mandated under Section 17 of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 11641, otherwise known as the "Department of Migrant Workers Act", ensuring a multi-dimensional reintegration program that effectively addresses the economic, social, psychosocial and cultural aspects of reintegration. The implementing rules and regulations of this Act shall contain detailed and specific provisions on social assistance and protection to ensure that more OFWs are included in the various social protection programs offered by the government, the private sector, and non- government organizations (NGOs).

SEC. 16. Psychosocial Support and Counseling. - The DMW

shall, together with OWWA and the DOH, facilitate psychosocial

support and reintegration counselling for returnee-OFWs and their families.

SEC. 17. Application of Anti-Age Discrimination Law. - All

government agencies, GOCCs, and all private corporations, partnerships, sole-proprietorships, including NGOs and other kinds of private organizations, shall strictly observe and follow all provisions of R.A. 10911, otherwise known as the "Anti-Age Discrimination in Employment Act"

SEC. 18. Protection for Undocumented OFWs. - No

undocumented OFW shall be denied reintegration services due to their status. Mechanisms shall be established for the regularization of undocumented OF Ws' status upon return to facilitate access to services and benefits. Information dissemination campaigns shall inform undocumented OFWs of their rights and available reintegration support.

SEC. 19. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DMW

through the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) shall, together with the OWWA, promulgate the necessary implementing rules and regulations within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act. The promulgation shall be made in coordination with the key government agencies mentioned in this Act, and in consultation with concerned GOCCs, especially those giving grants, extending loans, and providing technical assistance to MSMEs, and other relevant stakeholders in the private sector and NGOs.

SEC. 20. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the initial

implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current year's appropriations of the departments and agencies concerned. Thereafter, such amount shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 21. Separability Clause. - Should any provision or part of

this Act be declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions and parts hereof, insofar as they are separable from the invalid ones, shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 22. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, letters of

7 instruction, executive orders, rules and regulations and other issuances 8 or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 23. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days

after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,