Another program from OWWA that will support the livelihood of the OFWs who were repatriated abroad for some sort of reason is the Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay! Program. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has released a total of P7.58 million to finance the “Balik Pinas Balik Hanapbuhay” program for returning OFWs.
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) can also use OWWA’s Balik Pinas Balik Hanapbuhay Program to fund their startup or business expansion, employment, and livelihood.
Also Read: How to Schedule OWWA Online Appointment for OFWs
The past years tend to bring up blowing numbers of repatriated OFWs, some of them are sexually abused, maltreated, and then most recently a lot were laid off from their work. A lot of businesses and employers abroad are experiencing a crisis at this very moment. This is mostly because of the pandemic that hit the whole world.
This program focuses more on creating solutions for the after-effect that every repatriated OFWs had experienced after they land in their home country.
Contents
Overview
The Balik Pinas! livelihood cash assistance allows all repatriated OFWs to start a business/livelihood expansion, investment capital, or startup capital. The money is intended to help you stay in the Philippines for good with a new and better life as you are reintegrated back into the country.
This OWWA Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay is a good start for those who can’t afford to put up a business from scratch. If you think about it, the money OWWA has provided will greatly help in your budget for your startup or expansion of an already existing business.
Benefits
Both active and inactive members of OWWA can avail this program. The total value of benefits is classified by the following criteria:
- Active OWWA Members will get a maximum benefit of P20,000
- Inactive OWWA Members with more than one-month contribution will get a maximum of P10,000
- Inactive OWWA Members with only a one-month contribution will get a maximum benefit of P5,000
Qualifications
- If you are an OFW OWWA member who was forced to stop from working because the company or employer is experiencing a financial crisis, you are eligible for this program.
- If you are an OFW who was displaced or experienced due to war, economic problems, and political chaos, you are eligible for this program.
- If you are an OFW who was victimized by human trafficking, illegal recruitment, maltreatment, sexual abuse, and other tragic situations abroad, you can avail of this program.
- If you are a distressed OFW who is currently waiting to be sent home to the Philippines.
Requirements
- OWWA Membership proof
- Airline Ticket
- Travel Documents
- Passport
- Medical Records (If you are medically displaced or repatriated)
- Termination letter
- Certificate of Training Attended
- Barangay Clearance/Certificate
- 2×2 ID Picture
- Duly filled up application form
- Business Plan
- Home and Business Site Sketch
DTI and OWWA Collaboration
This Balik Pinas! project is a collaboration between OWWA and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). This collaboration produced an intensive seminar that addressed the strategies for starting a small business, the importance of being an entrepreneur, and the right characteristics required in entrepreneurship and determining products/services. This also emphasizes the risks and opportunities associated with entrepreneurship.
The seminar aims to promote the welfare and interests of OFWs and their families, particularly in economic endeavors, and to assist OFW-entrepreneurs in improving their socioeconomic lives and reintegrating into the societal mainstream.
For OFWs and their families, the seminar focuses on Financial Literacy and Enhancing Entrepreneurship Development.
How to Process Balik Pinas Livelihood Financial Assistance Program
Here’s the process on how you can sign up for the Balik Pinas! livelihood cash assistance program:
Step 1: Start by applying at any OWWA Regional Office. The staff assigned will then give you an Application Form for the Balik Pinas Balik Hanapbuhay Livelihood Program.
Note: You need to secure the said form and fill out all the necessary information. The pledge must state that the cash assistance will be used for business, livelihood projects or self-employment.
About the form:
When filling Balik Pinas Balik Hanapbuhay Livelihood Program Form you need to provide the following information:
- Personal details about you
- Details about the business you are putting up
- Countries you’ve worked before
Step 2: Prepare all the requirements needed. Make sure not to miss any of the important documentation to successfully process your application and get approved immediately.
Step 3: You need to get your schedule for a training seminar called Entrepreneurial Development.
Step 4: Fill out the business and bring all your documentation to the OWWA Regional Office near you.
Download Balik Pinas Balik Hanapbuhay Application Form
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You can get a copy of the Balik Pinas Application Form when you visit the OWWA Regional Welfare Office or when you inquire from the nearest POLO-OWWA office.
Please check out this sample of the application form online:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some FAQs about the Balik Pinas! livelihood program of OWWA for OFWs:
1. Who are not eligible for this livelihood?
Those OFW OWWA Members who have already finished their contracts.
2. What is included in this Balik Pinas! project?
Aside from the P20,000 cash assistance, beneficiaries will also get the following:
- Starter Kits/Goods
- Training such as Techno-Skills and Entrepreneurial Training
- Other services that can help the beneficiary start their livelihood project or self-employment immediately.
3. Can I still avail this program after getting repatriated for almost 2 years?
If you want to avail of the Balik Pinas Balik Hanapbuhay Livelihood Program, it must be done within one year after you return to the Philippines.
4. Do I need to set an appointment or this?
If the OWWA Regional branch near you requires setting an appointment before going to their office, then you need to secure an appointment date for your visit. You can do it online by using their mobile application
5. Can I avail this program more than once?
No, you can just avail this livelihood program once. Most of the OWWA programs can only be availed once.
Summary
A lot of OWWA programs focus on giving cash assistance to their members, and this one could be one of the best. Due to the pandemic, a lot of OFWs lost their job abroad, some didn’t even receive back pay from their employers. There is also a percentage of repatriated OFWs who were maltreated abroad, and when they go back home instead of taking a rest and giving themselves time to heal, financial problems start striking.
This livelihood program might not give them a very huge amount, yet can serve as a starting capital for whatever small business they will have. Beneficiaries are also encouraged to use their benefits for their future employment if they are going to find a new job.
The Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapabuhay! The program must be utilized by OFWs, use this money to make a sustainable income and save your family’s future. Do not just use this for food or necessities, you can always make ways to produce that.
It’s hard to be an OFW working outside the country just to make your finances stable, but it is more challenging to start a new chapter of your life after being repatriated. So don’t waste that money and make time to think about a business venture or find a new job.