HOUSE Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs Chair and AGIMAT Party-list Rep. Bryan Revilla on Tuesday achieved a major legislative milestone as the House of Representatives approved the Bagong Balikbayan Act (OFW Reintegration Act) on second reading, thus bringing the country one step closer to establishing the first-ever unified, full-cycle reintegration system for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
Revilla, who defended the measure on the floor, said the bill finally confronts long-standing gaps in government reintegration efforts, calling it “a long overdue promise to the men and women who sacrifice years of their lives abroad.”
He said the bill answers long-standing concerns over fragmented and inconsistent reintegration efforts across government agencies. The measure was approved through a voice vote, demonstrating the strong, unified commitment of the House to addressing the long-term needs of Filipino migrant workers.
Committee deliberations revealed that reintegration remains the “most neglected phase” of the migration cycle and requires a national strategy that begins even before an OFW comes home.
Revilla said the measure ensures that the State’s support for OFWs is comprehensive, coordinated, and sustained, noting that the reintegration process will now begin six months before a worker’s return through Migrant Workers Offices worldwide.
Under its four pillars framework—Kaalaman, Kalinga, Negosyo, and Hanap-buhay—returning OFWs will receive education and skills recognition, psychosocial support, entrepreneurship and financing assistance, and expanded employment opportunities.
In defending the bill, Revilla stressed: “Tinitiyak ng panukalang batas na ang suporta ng gobyerno ay hindi lamang bago ang pag-alis, kundi habang nasa abroad, sa mismong pag-uwi, at hanggang sa kanilang muling pagbangon dito sa Pilipinas.”
He added that the goal of the measure is to ensure that migration becomes a choice and not a forced decision.
“Pinaninindigan natin na ang pag-alis at pag-uwi ay dapat maging malayang pagpili, hindi bunga ng kakulangan ng oportunidad sa sariling bayan,” he said.
The bill institutionalizes major reforms such as civil service eligibility based on overseas experience, national certification and diploma recognition through TESDA and CHED, regular job fairs nationwide, centralized OFW information systems (ROMIS and RMS), and the establishment of One-Stop Reintegration Hubs—physical and online platforms where government services are integrated.
Revilla likewise highlighted that undocumented OFWs will not be excluded from assistance and will be given pathways for regularization upon arrival, supported by confidential online and hotline services.
He expressed gratitude to colleagues for their support, noting the measure’s legislative journey is still far from over.
“Malayo pa ang ating lalakbayin, ngunit malayo na rin ang ating narating. Taos-puso pong pasasalamat sa ating mga kasama sa Kongreso sa kanilang patuloy na pagtitiwala at suporta,” Revilla said as herecalled that the proposal was passed on Third Reading in the 19th Congress and refiled in July 2025 for swift passage in the present Congress.
“Sa Bagong Balikbayan Act, sisiguraduhin natin na paglapag pa lamang sa Pilipinas, agad nilang mararamdaman ang alaga, oportunidad, at direksyon para sa matagumpay na pagbabalik sa komunidad at kabuhayan,” he stressed.
With the bill now hurdling its Second Reading, Revilla said the House is significantly closer to delivering a long-overdue, fully integrated reintegration system worthy of the sacrifices of millions of OFWs.
