OFW Party List Representative Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino delivered a sponsorship speech during the Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs meeting, emphasizing the urgent need for reintegration programs for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) returning to the Philippines. Through House Resolution No. 2056 and House Bill No. 1130, she advocated for a comprehensive and integrated approach to ensure the sustainable reintegration of OFWs, especially those who have faced challenges abroad or returned home involuntarily.
Magsino highlighted House Resolution No. 2056, which seeks to investigate the implementation of reintegration programs by government agencies such as the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and other key institutions. She stressed the importance of evaluating the comprehensiveness, effectiveness, and alignment of these programs to address the diverse needs of returning OFWs.
“Mayroon sa mga OFWs ang mapalad na nakapagpundar para sa kanilang mga pamilya at naging komportable ang pamumuhay pag-uwi sa bansa. Subali’t marami rin ang mga nabigo: mga naging biktima ng mga mapang-abusong amo, ng illegal recruitment at human trafficking, mababang pasahod at samu’t-saring mga problema. Suma total ay napilitang umuwi sa Pilipinas nang walang-wala at problema pa ang utang na iniwan para lamang makaalis ng bansa. This why in the entire labor migration cycle, the smooth and sustainable reintegration to society of returning OFWs is critical,” said Rep. Magsino.
The legislator also introduced House Bill No. 1130, which proposes an Integrated Reintegration Program aimed at addressing the economic, social, and psychosocial needs of all returning OFWs, regardless of their documentation status or reason for returning.
Magsino emphasized that “economic reintegration” focuses on employment and enterprise development, while social reintegration ensures welfare services and community engagement. Capacity-building enhances skills through education and training, and psychosocial support fosters emotional well-being and social connections.
These interrelated programs aim to help OFWs transition successfully and contribute to society, following the holistic approach outlined in the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM) Reintegration Handbook.
Citing Republic Act No. 11641, Rep. Magsino underscored the government’s constitutional responsibility to implement a full-cycle reintegration program embedded in all stages of migration. She called for stronger inter-agency coordination to close gaps in current initiatives and proposed creating mechanisms similar to those used for medical repatriation and human trafficking prevention.
