Many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who have spent their years working abroad are having difficulties settling back in the Philippines. With that said, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) launched the Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay! (BPBH) Program, which intends to assist, protect, and give urgent aid to repatriated OFWs. This program provides one-time financial assistance for start-ups, expansion, or additional funds for livelihood purposes.
The BPBH Program is one of the benefits OWWA offers to its active members, especially for OFWs affected by crises or suffering from difficulties. That’s why repatriated OFWs should apply for this program to launch their new business or to expand an existing one. So if you’re wondering how to apply for OWWA Balik Pinas Balik Hanapbuhay Program, read on to find out about this livelihood assistance, from the qualifications, requirements, and application procedures.
Contents
What is OWWA Balik Pinas Balik Hanapbuhay Program?
The Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay Program (BPBH) is a livelihood assistance package from OWWA, which aims to provide urgent relief for distressed or displaced OFWs who have reintegrated into the Philippines. This livelihood support is for start-ups or additional livelihood capital accessible by active and inactive OWWA members repatriated for specific reasons.
Qualified OFWs will receive up to P20,000 in cash assistance that they can use to start, expand, or fund their business. Through the collaboration of OWWA and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), OFWs can also access entrepreneurial or techno-skills seminars that assist future entrepreneurs. In addition, OFWs will also learn the opportunities and risks of entrepreneurship and obtain starter kits and services necessary to launch their livelihood projects.
The OWWA Regional Welfare Offices handles the BPBH program. Also, qualified beneficiaries will directly receive the livelihood assistance, which is being disbursed from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
Cash Assistance Benefits
Under the BHBH program, the amount of livelihood assistance will vary based on the OWWA membership status of qualified beneficiaries. Here are the following benefits included in the livelihood support package:
- Active OWWA Members will receive a maximum of P20,000 cash assistance.
- Inactive OWWA Members will receive a maximum of P10,000 cash assistance, given they paid more than one (1) contribution.
- Meanwhile, Inactive OWWA Members who only paid one (1) contribution will receive a P5,000 cash assistance maximum.
- Entrepreneurship Development Training (EDT)
- Other services that can assist qualified beneficiaries in starting or managing their livelihood project, like job referrals and marketing linkages.
Qualifications
If you’re planning to launch a new business or expand your existing livelihood, here are the qualifications you should meet to access the BPBH program:
- OWWA members who stopped working as their employers are suffering from financial problems
- Displaced OFWs due to economic, political chaos, or war
- OFWs who suffered from human trafficking, illegal recruitment, maltreatment, or sexual abuse
- Distressed OFWs that are currently under the care of Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Resource Centers and waiting to return to the Philippines
Requirements
Here are the following requirements qualified beneficiaries should secure when applying for BPBH Program:
For Active OWWA Members
- Proof of OWWA Membership, such as:
- OWWA issued OFW Verification Sheet
- OWWA Membership Records
- Duly accomplished BPBH Application Form with Personal Undertaking (Sariling Salaysay), stating the cash assistance will be solely used for livelihood projects
- Any proof of return or repatriation to the Philippines:
- Airline ticket
- Boarding pass
- Travel documents
- The first page of the passport displays the last arrival and departure in the Philippines and the visa stamp of the country abroad
- Proof of displacement, like:
- Repatriation request
- SENA or Complaint
- Termination letter from employer
- Referral certification/letter from the Philippine Embassy or POLO
- Proof of Residency (Barangay Clearance/Certificate)
- Medicals Records (for medically repatriated/displaced OFWs)
For Inactive OWWA Members
- Proof of OWWA Membership, such as:
- OWWA issued OFW Verification Sheet
- OWWA Membership Records
- Any proof of return or repatriation to the Philippines:
- Airline ticket
- Boarding pass
- Travel documents
- The first page of the passport displays the last arrival and departure in the Philippines and the visa stamp of the country abroad
- Proof of displacement, like:
- Repatriation request
- SENA or Complaint
- Termination letter from employer
- Referral certification/letter from the Philippine Embassy or POLO
- Proof of Residency (Barangay Clearance/Certificate)
- Medicals Records (for medically repatriated/displaced OFWs)
For Undocumented OFWs
- Two (2) valid government-issued IDs, including the passport
- Any proof of return or repatriation to the Philippines:
- Airline ticket
- Boarding pass
- Travel documents
- The first page of the passport displays the last arrival and departure in the Philippines and the visa stamp of the country abroad
- Proof of displacement, like:
- Repatriation request
- SENA or Complaint
- Termination letter from employer
- Referral certification/letter from the Philippine Embassy or POLO
- Proof of Residency (Barangay Clearance/Certificate)
- Medicals Records (for medically repatriated/displaced OFWs)
Additional Requirements
- One (1) 2×2 ID photo
- Duly accomplished Simple Business Plan
- Duly filled-out BPBH Application Form
- Home and Business Site Sketch
- Certificate of Training Attended:
- Skills Training
- Entrepreneurial Development Training (EDT)
Procedures
To apply for the OWWA BPBH program, follow the steps below:
- Head to the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) that has coverage of your permanent address. Do note that some OWWA RWO may require an appointment. So contact their office before you visit. Also, you may book an appointment through the OWWA mobile app or online Appointment Scheduler.
- Select the nearest OWWA RWO to your permanent address and BPBH as the Type of Program. Then, click the Next button.
- Choose your preferred appointment date.
- Next, fill out the Personal Information field.
- Then, wait for an Appointment Confirmation from OWWA.
- On your appointment date, go to your chosen OWWA RWO.
- Fill out the BPBH Application Form and wait in line.
- Present your documentary requirements to the OWWA RWO officer.
- You’ll get a schedule to attend the Enterprise Development Training (EDT) at OWWA RWO.
- After completing the seminar, get your EDT certificate of completion and submit it with the rest of your documentary requirements.
- OWWA RWO will then inspect your Business Site.
- If approved, you’ll receive a notice from OWWA RWO regarding your request and the release date of the livelihood assistance.
- For qualified beneficiaries, go to OWWA RWO on the scheduled release date to claim your financial assistance.
Balik Pinas Balik Hanapbuhay Program Application Form
If you are a repatriated OFW looking for livelihood support, then the Balik Pinas Balik Hanapbuhay Application Form with Personal Undertaking is an essential part of your application. To obtain this form, simply visit any OWWA RWO or POLO-OWWA office and take a look at the sample provided below:
Reminders
For repatriated OFWs who wish to apply for BPBH Program, please take note of the following reminders:
- The BPBH Application Form and OWWA Membership Records are available at OWWA RWO.
- OFWs may refer to the POLO-OWWA offices that have jurisdiction at their job site to secure requirements for proof of return or repatriation to the Philippines.
- OFWs’ proof of displacement requirements are available at the Philippine Embassy, POLO-OWWA, Employer/Recruitment Agency, Repatriation Assistance Division, or OWWA Legal Service.
- The proof of residency of OFWs should be secure at the Barangay where they reside.
- OFWs may book an appointment for BPBH Program via online Appointment Scheduler or OWWA mobile app E-Services section.
- The BPBH program is for displaced or distressed OFWs repatriated back to the Philippines.
- This program is a livelihood assistance package that is for livelihood activities.
- Lastly, the financial aid provided to beneficiaries will vary depending on their OWWA membership status, ranging from P5,000 to P20,000.
Video: BALIK PINAS, BALIK HANAPBUHAY 20K FROM OWWA, PAANO MAKA AVAIL.
For more details on the BPBH program, please watch the video below:
As discussed in the video, the BPBH program is open for OFWs staying for good in the Philippines who want to start or grow their existing business. This program is accessible to distressed and displaced OFWs, whether active or inactive OWWA members. Moreover, it’s qualified for OFWs who suffered illegal recruitment, human trafficking, or maltreatment. Thus, the BPBH program will benefit OFWs to help them kick-start their life back in the Philippines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for OWWA Balik Pinas Balik Hanapbuhay Program?
The primary requirements for OWWA BPBH Program include the following:
- OWWA Membership Records
- BPBH Application Form with Personal Undertaking that the financial assistance is for OFW’s livelihood activities
- Proof of return or repatriation to the Philippines, such as passport, airline ticket, boarding pass, or travel documents
- Proof of displacement, including termination letter, referral certification/letter from the Philippine Embassy or POLO, repatriation request, SENA or complaint
- Proof of Residency (Barangay Clearance/Certificate)
How to get OWWA Balik Pinas Balik Hanapbuhay Program?
You may visit the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office with coverage at your permanent address to apply for the BPBH program. Also, check if you’re a qualified beneficiary and secure the documentary requirements.
How much is the OWWA livelihood assistance?
The OWWA livelihood assistance under the BPBH program is up to P20,000. However, the amount varies based on the applicant’s OWWA membership status.
Summary
With the OWWA Balik Pinas Balik Hanapbuhay Program, OFWs will receive a maximum of P20,000 in financial support to start a new business or serve as additional capital for expansion. This program is accessible for active or inactive OWWA members, aiming to help them stabilize their lives back in the country after working years abroad. Furthermore, the BPBH program can assist OFWs who suffered difficulties abroad or stopped working. So if you’re a repatriated OFW, apply for Balik Pinas Balik Hanapbuhay Program to start your livelihood venture.
Contact Details
OWWA Central Office
Address: OWWA Center Building, F.B. Harrison St, Pasay, Metro Manila
Hotline: 1348
NCR Hotline: 09666250016
Reintegration Unit: 8834-0719
Website: https://owwa.gov.ph/
Email: owwacares@owwa.gov.ph
