APRIL 6, 2026 – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) led the launching of “Bagong Pilipinas: Bayanihan para sa Balikbayang Manggagawa” National Reintegration Network (NRN) and Job Fair for repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
The program serves as a one-stop platform that offers different types of assistance to OFWs and their families, especially those who are affected by the Middle East crisis. It was held on Monday, April 6, at the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (M.I.C.E.) Center in Quezon City.
Reintegration Network and Job Fair for Returning OFWs Held in QC
The “Bagong Pilipinas: Bayanihan para sa Balikbayang Manggagawa” NRN and Job Fair gathered more than 25 government agencies, as well as local government units (LGUs), private recruitment agencies, and employers.
Aside from job fair booths, the program included lectures on psychosocial support, basic electrical training, and financial literacy. There was also a “Buy Lokal by OFWs” (BLBO) showcase that featured OFW-led businesses.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte delivered the welcome message at the event. In her message, she talked about the different reintegration programs offered by the city government, such as livelihood assistance, legal assistance, and the “e-habilin” program for children of OFWs. She also mentioned the city’s Task Force AGAP, which helps to ensure the safety of repatriated OFWs who are “QCitizens.”
The Mayor’s message was followed by opening remarks from DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac. He affirmed the national government’s continuing efforts and commitment to support returning OFW through capacity-building, employment facilitation, and sustainable livelihoods.
For his part, Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara highlighted the “Sa Pinas, Ikaw and Ma’am at Sir” (SPIMS) program for educators who would like to teach again in Philippine public schools.
In addition, DepEd also opened on-site registrations for the ALS Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Test, the Philippine Educational Placement Test (PEPT), and assistance for the SHS Voucher Program to ensure continuous support for the children of returning OFWs.
During the program, messages were also given by other government officials, namely: Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Christina Roque, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary Kiko Benitez, and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Chief Patricia Yvonne Caunan.
Representatives from the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) also shared their messages.
Watch this video featuring the highlights of the program, as shared by the DMW Facebook page:
The “Bagong Pilipinas: Bayanihan para sa Balikbayang Manggagawa” NRN and Job Fair is just the start of an ongoing effort to help repatriated OFWs rebuild their lives after returning home. Through this initiative, they can look forward to receiving “all out” support from the government.
In related news, a city in Samar has recently launched an online platform for its residents who are based abroad. Check out this article to learn more about the i-Konek Calbayog Registry Portal.