Filipinos overseas who have plans of setting up business as they move back to the Philippines will get a boost from Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.
OWWA Deputy Administrator Joselito Torres said active or former OFWs who are planning to start businesses could receive assistance from the agency’s OFW reintegration program.
“Kabilang sa makikinabang sa naturang programa ang mga aktibong miyembro ng OWWA at mga dating miyembro na nagpasya nang bumalik sa Pilipinas mula sa pagtatrabaho sa ibang bansa,” Torres said.
Under the program, active OWWA members or those who have previous stints abroad can avail of loans worth P300,000 to P2 million to serve as business capital. The agency has allocated P2 billion for the loan program — P1 billion from OWWA trust fund and P500 million each from state-owned banks Land Bank of the Philippines and Development Bank of the Philippines.
Torres said for this program, OWWA has collaborated with the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Agriculture, and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
“Gagabayan ng mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan ang mga kuwalipikadong OFWs sa pagtatayo ng kanilang negosyo upang matiyak na magiging matagumpay sila sa larangang pumasok.”
Processing requirements
- OWWA certification that borrower is a bonafide overseas worker, has completed Enterprise Development Training
- A business plan on the specific project that will generate income for OFW and his/her family
- With contract growing agreement, purchase order or service contract, if applicable
- Certificate of Registration with DTI
- Biodata of applicant
- Mayor’s permit
- Income Tax Return (last 3 years), if applicable
- Financial Statements (last 3 years, BIR-filed), if applicable
- Latest Interim Financial Statement, if applicable
- Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Procedure
- Visit the nearest OWWA office and undergo orientation/necessary training.
- Secure the required OWWA Certification for submission to partner bank.
- Visit the bank’s lending center for more information and evaluation of project proposal.
