QUEZON CITY, Philippines — For many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), the dream has always been to earn enough abroad to eventually come home and stay home. That dream took a practical turn on Monday as the OFW Reintegration Fair officially kicked off at the Quezon City Hall.
The event, a collaborative effort between the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Quezon City local government, aims to provide a “soft landing” for returning migrants by connecting them with stable jobs, business opportunities, and financial literacy programs right in their home city.
The fair isn’t just a simple job market; it is designed as a comprehensive toolkit for those transitioning back to Philippine society. From the moment they entered the venue, attendees were guided through various “stations” focused on long-term stability.
“We want our OFWs to know that there is a life after working abroad—a life that doesn’t involve being separated from their families,” said a representative from the DMW. “The goal is to turn ‘migrants’ into ‘local entrepreneurs’ and ‘skilled professionals’ here at home.”
While several local companies were present to recruit for various industries, the fair placed a heavy emphasis on entrepreneurship and financial health. Key features of the event included:
- Livelihood Seminars: Expert-led sessions on how to start a small business, from sari-sari stores to tech startups.
- Government Stalls: Direct access to the Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG to ensure returning workers maintain their social safety nets.
- Credit Access: Briefings from government banks like LandBank on special loan programs tailored specifically for OFWs looking for seed capital.
For many attendees, the fair offered a sense of relief. After years of navigating foreign cultures and enduring homesickness, the prospect of earning a decent living in Quezon City feels like a second chance.
“I’ve been in the Middle East for 10 years,” shared one returning worker. “It’s scary to come back and not know where to start. Events like this make me feel like I’m not starting from zero.”
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has long been an advocate for migrant rights, and this fair serves as a cornerstone of the city’s “Migration and Development” agenda, ensuring that the wealth and skills earned abroad are successfully reinvested into the local economy.
As the fair continues, the message to every OFW is clear: your city is ready for you, and your next big opportunity might just be around the corner from where you grew up.