LEGAZPI CITY, Albay (PIA) – Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has created a program to assist overseas Filipino workers by providing capacity-building to help them establish technology-based businesses.
The Innovations for Filipinos Working Distantly from the Philippines Program (iFWD PH) aims to establish sustainable livelihoods for distressed, displaced, and returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
Angeline Ignao, the iFWD PH focal person for the Bicol region, stated that since the program’s implementation in 2020, the DOST has assisted over 80 former OFWs in the region.
In its latest batch this year, 13 Bicolanos have received free and valuable resources for learning business management and skill-building opportunities.
According to Ignao, the program consists of two phases: first, participants will learn various business skills, and second, they will present their business proposals to the agency.
“The DOST will provide up to P500K for selected business pitches under the program. If a business succeeds, it may receive additional services to help adopt new technologies and improve its productivity, marketing, and competitiveness,” she explained.
Lockdowns and strict mobility measures led Debbie May Arriola-Amata and her husband to have a trusted friend bring their newborn baby back to the Philippines.
After a few months, they decided to return to Goa, Camarines Sur, to settle and restart their lives.
As one of the beneficiaries of a support program, Amata, who previously worked as an overseas nurse, shared in a speech that their lives have changed significantly.
The program has helped her become a successful entrepreneur while sustainably providing for her family.
Currently, they are producing glass-bottled Filipino recipes that are sold in malls throughout the region. Amata mentioned that they are still seeking additional resources to enhance their production and business management skills.
She inspired other OFWs who were graduating from the program, saying, “Leverage the resources and opportunities available, such as iFWD PH. Your experiences as an OFW have equipped you with unique skills and perspectives that can give your business a competitive edge.”
She also emphasized the importance of believing in one’s vision, stating, “with hard work and determination, we can turn our entrepreneurial dreams into a successful reality.”
Ronnie Espinoza, who worked for nine years as a furniture designer in Saudi Arabia, faced challenges finding work upon returning to the Philippines. He is grateful for the launch of a new program aimed at ensuring long-term employment for workers like him.
“I’m very thankful to the Philippine government for having the DOST launch this program. The iFWD is both efficient and effective, helping others improve their lives, especially OFWs who faced many difficulties during the pandemic,” he said.
Espinoza graduated in the program’s first phase in March and aspires to elevate his furniture designs with the support of the DOST.
“Before, I felt hopeless. I thought nothing would change if I faced problems abroad. However, after returning as a distressed Filipino worker, this program helped me regain my sense of security,” he shared.
DOST Assistant Regional Director Ma. Theresa Alcantara emphasized in her speech that “technology is now the modern way to address present needs,” which is why transitioning to technology-based businesses is more sustainable.
“With technology, any improvements made to a product lead to enhancements in its process and productivity,” she noted. “Science and technology interventions shape our lives today, so it is essential for businesspeople to embrace these measures to improve their skills.” (PIA5)
