CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in Calabarzon is calling on female overseas Filipino worker (OFW) returnees to take part in a nationwide initiative that seeks to empower women in creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The competition entitled “LIKHAng Kababaihan: Linangin ang Kakayahan sa Kabuhayan Award” aims to showcase the skills, creativity, and entrepreneurial talents of female OFWs, who have since returned home, as part of the DMW’s continuing reintegration efforts.
“The Likha o Linangin ang Kabuhayan award is a business plan competition, this is a start-up business that you can participate in. This is a good program to teach our people to start a business because it also has business mentoring,” DMW Calabarzon assistant regional director Karen Quilao said during the Usapang PIA radio program.
Also, the DMW said that the program is their way to encourage more Filipinos to contribute to local economic growth.
The competition is open to female OFWs who returned to the country from January 1, 2020, not a permanent resident abroad, a documented OFW in DMW, and have established or are planning to start their own small businesses or livelihood projects.
Entries may include handmade products, crafts, food items, home innovations, or any creative output developed using skills acquired either abroad or through DMW-assisted training.
Quilao announced that regional winners will each receive a cash prize of ₱100,000 and the honor of representing their region in the National Likhang Kababaihan Competition later this year.
“The national winners will receive 500,000 pesos, 1st runner up is 300,000 pesos, and second runner up is 200,000. So with this amount, they can start a business,” the DMW official stated.
Aside from cash prizes and recognition, winners will also gain access to comprehensive business development support, including enrollment in the National Business Boot Camp—a specialized entrepreneurial training program designed for OFW returnees, as well as access to trade fairs, and promotion through DMW’s partner platforms and agencies.
Quilao then encouraged OFWs not to be wary in entering the world of entrepreneurship, assuring them that they will not be alone in the journey.
“Don’t be afraid to start a business, DMW is here to help you and mentor you properly so that you can sustain the business you are building,” she stated.
DMW is accepting applications and entry submissions until May 15, 2025. (AM/PIA-4A)
