AGIMAT Party-list Rep. Bryan Revilla hailed the successful passage of the Bagong Balikbayan Act (House Bill No. 6643) on Third and Final Reading at the House of Representatives last Tuesday, December 16, calling it a landmark victory for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and a fulfillment of the State’s duty to its modern-day heroes.
“This is more than just a legislative victory; it is the institutionalization of our sacred promise to our OFWs. Their return should be a homecoming, not a hurdle, and with the Bagong Balikbayan Act, we ensure they are met with dignity, stability, and opportunity,” Revilla said.
The measure, principally authored by Rep. Revilla, now heads to the Senate. It establishes a comprehensive, integrated, and sustainable full-cycle reintegration program that addresses the economic, social, psychosocial, gender-responsive, and cultural needs of all returning OFWs, regardless of their documentation status.
The bill mandates that the Migrant Workers Offices (MWOs) begin the reintegration process and services six months before an OFW’s intended return. This early intervention ensures workers have access to the necessary preparations and support before they even set foot back home.
The full-cycle reintegration approach is built on four key pathways: Kaalaman for skills recognition and national certifications; Kalinga for personalized counseling and family stability; Negosyo) for training, financing, and mentorship; and Hanap-buhay for job matching and expanded work facilitation.
Revilla emphasized that the Act is designed to transform workers into entrepreneurs and valued members of the local workforce. It mandates the regular conduct of OFW-focused job fairs and provides mechanisms for granting Civil Service Eligibility based on invaluable overseas experience.
Crucially, the measure mandates the DMW and OWWA to develop dedicated, affordable financing and loan programs for OFW-owned enterprises, allowing returning workers to invest their hard-earned capital in the Philippine economy.
Furthermore, the bill ensures inclusivity by guaranteeing that no undocumented OFW shall be denied reintegration services due to their status, reinforcing the State’s promise not to abandon any Filipino worker. It also establishes a program to invite qualified and highly-skilled OFWs to teach in CHED and TESDA accredited institutions, leveraging their global expertise for national education.
Revilla expressed his profound gratitude to his colleagues for the overwhelming support, noting the smooth passage was secured with the essential backing of the Committee on Appropriations, which ensured adequate funding for the program’s implementation.
He urged the Senate to act swiftly on this measure, noting that its counterpart, Senate Bill No. 1100 authored by Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, is now awaiting action in the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers chaired by Sen. Raffy Tulfo.
“By passing this bill, we make the greatest investment in our future by ensuring our returning heroes can find dignity, stability, and success right here, at home.” he concluded.
