PHILIPPINES: The 2026 OFW Global Summit gave new hope to returning overseas Filipino workers who want to rebuild their lives in the Philippines.
Held on June 7, 2026, at the Quezon City M.I.C.E. Center, the event formed part of the 31st National Migrant Workers’ Day celebration.
The summit focused on support, livelihood, and second chances for OFWs who came home after working abroad.
For many returning workers, coming home can be hard.
Some return without savings.
Others return with a business idea but no capital to begin again.
The summit gave them a chance to receive help, meet other OFWs, and learn about support from the government.
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50 OFWs Receive Livelihood Support
During the event, 50 OFWs received livelihood assistance under the Livelihood Program for OFW Reintegration, or LPOR.
The program was led by the Department of Migrant Workers–National Capital Region.
The support aims to help returning OFWs start or continue small businesses in the country.
This kind of aid matters because not all OFWs plan to go abroad again.
Some want to stay in the Philippines and earn through a home-based or community-based business.
The livelihood support can help them buy materials, tools, or supplies needed to restart.
Sewing Machines Add Practical Help
Aside from the LPOR support, 25 sewing machines were also given to OFW beneficiaries.
The donation came from the non-government organization F.I.L.I.P.I.N.A.S.
The machines are expected to help OFWs and their families create income from sewing-related work.
For some families, a sewing machine can support small services such as repairs, uniforms, curtains, bags, and other simple products.
It can also help those who already have skills but lack equipment.
One OFW’s Business Gets a Second Chance
One of the beneficiaries was Marisa Regala, a former OFW from Caloocan.
Regala said the help gave her another chance to continue her small business.
She shared that her basahan-making business had stopped because she no longer had capital.
With support from LPOR, she said she can now work again and continue earning.
Her story shows a common concern among returning OFWs.
Many have the skills and drive to work, but they need starting support to move forward.
