QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- In providing more work and financial opportunities to returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) join forces on Thursday, January 18, through a signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The MOU formally launches the “Balik Bayani sa Turismo” program in support of the national government’s reintegration program for migrant workers, recognizing them as indispensable contributors to the country’s economic recovery.
Through the MOU, the commitments of both agencies to creating, instituting and establishing livelihood, entrepreneurship, savings, investments, and financial literacy opportunities for OFWs and their families are strengthened through various tourism training programs of the DOT and reintegration programs of the DMW.
“As we look forward to furthering our collaborative efforts, the Department of Tourism joins the Department of Migrant Workers' commitment to work together to realize President Marcos, Jr.'s vision--Bagong Pilipinas, leveraging on the immense beauty of our nation, while always aiming to enhance the Philippine travel experience, through quality tourism services offered by a highly skilled world-class tourism workforce,” said Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco in her address.
“Our President has said time and again, that our OFWs are the best tourism ambassadors for the Philippines, not just by way of words to promote the country, but more importantly, by way of their work through their dedication to duty, always putting forth the best foot forward for the Philippines,” Secretary Frasco added.
For his part, DMW OIC-Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac gave his commitment to the implementation of the agreement.
“The institutional partnership with the DOT and DMW will be beneficial, we are sure, to all returning OFWs. And by becoming part of the tourism value chain, they will have an alternate sustainable source of income upon their return,” he said.
“The DMW is committed to promote and strengthen the development and implementation of our partnership agreement, both in the near term and long term through our migrant workers offices worldwide, our regional offices and central office here, and through education and information campaigns that are effective and efficient,” he added.
What’s inside the “Balik Bayani sa Turismo” program?
Training Programs for OFWs
The Balik Bayani sa Turismo program aims to provide tourism-related training opportunities in culinary tourism, retail business, farm tourism, homestay operations, and tour guiding, among others to strengthen the skills, aptitudes and competencies of OFWs and their families.
Those who will graduate from the DOT training programs maybe also be eligible for livelihood, education, entrepreneurial programs, services and financial assistance after the completion of requirements.
“Teach-It-Forward” program
Those OFWs with senior positions and wide experiences in their field, having a wide range of knowledge can be tapped to be engaged as resource persons or trainers in the industry through the “Teach-It-Forward” program.
Tourism-related activities or businesses
OFWs who want to have an alternative source of income and wish to venture in tourism-related activities or businesses will be equipped with appropriate information and skills that will be useful in their chosen field in tourism in the country.
Filipino Brand of Service Excellence
Based on the program, OFWs are now required to undergo the DOT’s Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) module or core concepts in the Pre-Migration Orientation Seminar (PMOS) and other similar pre-deployment training or learning platforms.
A technical working group will be established to oversee the implementation of the program and is expected to roll out in May 2024. (DOT/PIA-NCR)
