Returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) can now look forward to new opportunities at home as the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) launched the IPON Tourism Program—a new component of the Balik Bayani sa Turismo initiative. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on November 27 at the DOT Multipurpose Hall in Makati City.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco led the ceremony, joined by private sector partners including Hotel 101, FastCat, 2GO, Duty Free Philippines Corporation, and DOON PH. These partners will support the rollout of the program to ensure returning OFWs gain access to high-impact livelihood opportunities.
Secretary Frasco highlighted that OFW remittances and tourism receipts remain among the country’s top economic drivers.
“By bringing these two pillars together, we are helping returning OFWs reintegrate into communities that are expanding and full of opportunity and hope,” she said.
How the IPON Tourism Program Supports Returning OFWs
The IPON Tourism Program offers multiple livelihood and career pathways for OFWs entering or re-entering the tourism sector. Among the key opportunities are:
- Culinary and hospitality training
- Tour guiding certification
- Condotel and tourism enterprise investments
- Transport co-hosting and logistics partnerships
- Teaching and mentoring roles under the Teach-It-Forward program
These initiatives aim to strengthen tourism workforce quality while giving OFWs meaningful ways to build stable careers or start businesses.
Private Sector Partners Strengthening the IPON Tourism Program
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac joined the event along with executives from partner organizations: Charley Magabo (Hotel 101), Michael V. Fox (FastCat), Jerome Lopez Manlapaz (2GO), Enrique Hormillo (DOON Transport Technologies), and Patrick Joel Cinco (Duty Free Philippines).
DOT Undersecretary Maria Rica C. Bueno and Director Arlene Alipio emphasized the importance of improving human capital standards to ensure long-term tourism growth. Other Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries also expressed full support for the initiative.
The IPON Tourism Program serves as a bridge for OFWs ready to return home—offering them a pathway to a more stable, financially secure future in the tourism industry.
Source: DOT
