Tourism and Migrant Workers Departments Partner for DMW’s Whole-of-Nation Reintegration Program for OFWs

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco has expressed full support for the Department of Migrant Workers’ (DMW) whole-of-nation reintegration program, recognizing the important role of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Philippines’ social and economic progress.

The DOT is collaborating with the DMW on programs that create jobs and business opportunities for OFWs and their families in the travel and tourism industry.

Two key initiatives from this partnership are the Bisita, Be My Guest program, which encourages OFWs to invite foreign visitors to the Philippines in exchange for incentives; and the the Balik Bayani sa Turismo program, which offers returning OFWs and their families free tourism-related skills training and business opportunities.

“I’m very happy to report to you that through our partnership with the DMW, nagkaroon na po tayo ng mga graduates doon sa Pangasinan under the Balik Bayani sa Turismo Program. At iilan po dito ay nakapagnegosyo na. Naka put up na sila ng kanilang sariling tourism business. So ganito kahalaga, iyong partnership natin with the DMW,” Frasco said.

Cacdac expressed gratitude to the DOT for its commitment to supporting the DMW’s reintegration efforts, particularly in providing sustainable livelihood opportunities for returning OFWs.

“Walang OFW na ayaw umuwi for good. Everyone has plans for their families and communities. That’s why our partnership with the DOT is a huge help for our OFWs to come home with their families while having a sustainable source of income in the local tourism sector,” Cacdac said.

The DOT is among several government agencies working with the DMW, alongside key social partners, to ensure a comprehensive and sustainable reintegration framework for OFWs and their families.

“From the beginning of the Marcos Administration, our President has articulated how important the contributions of overseas Filipino workers are, not just to the Philippines, but to the rest of the world. And therefore, his directive was for there to be a whole-of-nation approach to honor the work of OFWs,” Frasco said.

Frasco, alongside Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, attended the DMW’s Monday Flag Raising Ceremony and the distribution of financial aid through the AKSYON Fund on March 24, 2025, at the DMW Central Office in Mandaluyong City. The event coincided with the celebration of National Women’s Month.