The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is refining guidelines to facilitate Overseas Filipino Workers’ (OFWs) eligibility for the Innovations for Filipinos Working Distantly from the Philippines (IFWPH) Program.
During the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing on Wednesday (Feb. 28) between DOST-National Capital Region (NCR) and Strategic and Collaborative Alliance for Leveraging Ecosystem (SCALE) NCR, IFWPH Project Leader Bianca Claudette R. Canlas outlined updates to the program. These enhancements include an “ideation phase” and more structured training sessions every three days in Phase 1.
The MOU encompasses Phase 1’s IFWPH Early Business Ideation Sessions and Phase 2’s IFWPH Business Incubation for funded OFWs. OFWs guided through Phase 1 are eligible for maximum funding support of PHP 500,000.
According to Canlas, OFWs constitute 7 percent of Filipino households, with significant numbers issued overseas employment certificates yearly. The program aims to assist OFWs in transitioning to entrepreneurship, with 626 OFWs already trained in business management.
DOST-NCR Regional Director Engr. Romelen T. Tresvalles explained the breakdown of the funding, with 70 percent allocated for equipment and 30 percent for product testing and development.
Tresvalles emphasized that only 50 percent of entrants proceed to the next phase, highlighting the need for further support and training. The program, initiated during the pandemic, aims to provide opportunities for OFWs to establish businesses upon their return to the Philippines.
SCALE NCR President Maria Cristina L. Ibanez expressed support for the program, noting its importance in aiding OFWs affected by the pandemic. She highlighted the interest in hydroponics farming among OFWs and stressed the importance of networking and continuous support.
Overall, the IFWPH Program seeks to empower OFWs with the skills and resources needed to start their businesses in the Philippines, contributing to economic growth and development.
