CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Central Luzon is strengthening financing and enterprise development assistance for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by rising fuel and operating costs amid tensions in the Middle East.
DTI Regional Director Edna Dizon said the initiative supports the administration’s goal of providing sustainable livelihood opportunities for returning OFWs and strengthening economic resilience amid global uncertainties.
It also complements the government’s efforts to ensure that migrant workers and their families have access to financial and entrepreneurial support as they transition to local employment and business opportunities.
According to the director, the agency continues to work closely with the Department of Migrant Workers, Department of Labor and Employment, and other government agencies to help returning OFWs rebuild their livelihoods through business and employment opportunities.
This forms part of the Reintegration Network recently launched in Central Luzon, which aims to provide coordinated support services for returning migrant workers and their families.
“We have commitment, really, to support the OFWs and their families,” Dizon said.
Aside from financing assistance, DTI also provides entrepreneurial mentoring, product development, business advisory services, and market linkage support to help OFWs establish and sustain enterprises.
“We help them on how to set up a business, provide guidance and advisory services, and eventually assist in marketing their products until they can sustain their operations,” the director added.
To further support livelihood recovery, the agency is also promoting the OFW Negosyo Loan Program through the Small Business Corporation (SB Corp.), DTI’s financing arm.
SB Corp. representative Joel Sanchez said the OFW Micro Multi-Purpose Loan offers up to P300,000 payable within three years at 12 percent annual interest based on diminishing balance.
The program is intended for OFWs with at least one year business track record supported by permits and documentary requirements such as government-issued IDs, DTI registration, business photos, and bank account details.
Meanwhile, the OFW SME First Timers Loan Program offers financing up to P20 million for enterprises operating for at least two years, with collateral-free loans available up to P3 million.
For aspiring entrepreneurs or newly established businesses, SB Corp. also offers the OFW Business Expansion Facility, which provides loans ranging from P50,000 to P3 million with up to 12 months grace period before repayment begins.
Sanchez said repatriated OFWs and overseas workers who have worked abroad within the last three years may qualify for the programs.
“As long as applicants complete and comply with the requirements, tuloy-tuloy naman po ang proseso,” he said.
DTI encouraged affected MSMEs and returning OFWs in Central Luzon to coordinate with the agency and SB Corp. for available financing, training, and enterprise development programs aimed at helping them recover and build sustainable livelihoods. (CLJD/MJSC, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)
