CFO, DMW partner for enhanced OFW reintegration program

By Marita Moaje, Philippine News Agency

PARTNERSHIP. CFO chairperson Secretary Dante Ang II (2nd from left) and DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac (2nd from right) sign a memorandum of understanding during the National Forum on Migration on Wednesday (Dec. 18, 2024) at the PICC. Ang on Thursday (Dec. 19) said the partnership aims to promote financial literacy, education programs, and the BaLinkBayan portal, enhancing reintegration opportunities for OFWs and their families. (Photo courtesy of CFO via PNA)

MANILA – The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) have joined forces to strengthen reintegration efforts for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

In a statement Thursday, CFO Secretary Dante Ang II said the cooperation between the two agencies marks a significant step toward creating programs that help OFWs and their families reintegrate into society.

“This event brings us closer to streamlining programs that aid overseas Filipinos who wish to return to the motherland, including displaced OFWs into the local workforce,” he said.

Ang and Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding during the national celebration of International Migrants Day at the Philippine International Convention Center for the BaLinkBayan Project, a flagship program of the CFO dedicated to overseas Filipinos.

The BaLinkBayan Project is an innovative online portal that consolidates government services, entrepreneurship, and investment opportunities, and diaspora engagement initiatives aimed at Philippine development.

“By formalizing a landmark partnership between the CFO and the DMW through the signing of the Memorandum of (Understanding) for the BaLinkBayan Project, we equip the program with more data relevant to a large portion of Filipino migrants. This agreement is more than just a document—it represents a shared vision of streamlined, accessible, and efficient services for our migrant workers and overseas Filipinos,” Ang said.

Cacdac, meanwhile, noted that the partnership aligns with the government’s goal of fostering sustainable and inclusive reintegration opportunities for overseas Filipinos.

The DMW said the partnership paves the way for financial literacy and education programs for OFWs and their families, and the promotion of the BaLinkBayan portal.