Innovative OFWs Assisted through IFWD PH Program; DOST Fully Commits to OFW Reintegration through ST&I

Innovation has played a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life within our society. The integration of modern science and technology across various sectors has created numerous opportunities for Filipinos to thrive. As a result, our nation is increasingly becoming an industry driven by scientific and technological advancements. However, many of our fellow Filipinos face challenges in accessing and leveraging these technologies to earn a living domestically, prompting them to seek opportunities abroad in pursuit of a more sustainable livelihood. This trend highlights the need for greater accessibility and support for local innovations to ensure that all Filipinos can benefit from the advancements shaping our future.… 

With their experience, determination and passion for change, Overseas Filipinos are seen as possible game changers and disruptors as they return to the country, banking on their know-how, skills and new ideas derived from abroad. With this, DOST has been actively implementing the Innovations for Filipinos Working Distantly from the Philippines (iFWD PH) Program, designed to empower Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) by providing them with the necessary support to establish technology-based startups or enterprises within the country. With its implementation nationwide, the program aims to promote innovation and entrepreneurship among OFWs, enabling them to leverage their skills and experiences to contribute to the local economy.  
Since 2020, the DOST have supported 106 OFW-owned and managed enterprises which generated 213 jobs nationwide with average annual gross sales of Php 28,216,100.82; 921 OFWs were provided with capacity building activities on business ideation, development and management, equipping them to launch their own tech-based businesses.   
 
Supporting OFWs through Capacity Development and Innovation Funding 
 
The DOST Regional Offices has successfully trained 247 OFWs in 2024, marking a significant step towards developing more technology-based businesses. This initiative was made possible through a series of Technology Based Business Ideation (Techbiz Ideation) sessions, conducted in partnership with the Strategic Collaborative Alliance Leveraging Ecosystem of Startups in the National Capital Region (SCALE NCR). These sessions provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the entrepreneurial landscape, focusing on innovative business ideas and strategies tailored to the unique challenges faced by OFWs.              
In addition to the Techbiz Ideation sessions, Core Business Development sessions were held in collaboration with the Entrepinoy Volunteers Foundation (EVFI), a DOST-accredited S&T Foundation. These sessions were designed to equip the OFWs with essential skills and knowledge necessary for launching and managing their own businesses. Participants learned about various aspects of business development, including financial planning and effective marketing strategies. 

Tech business learnings for OFWs under the Innovations for Filipinos Working Distantly from the Philippines (iFWD PH) Program for DOST-NCR Business Ideation phase  
 
By the end of the training, the OFWs were not only prepared to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys but were also positioned to access Innovation Funding (iFund) support. The iFWD PH’s OFW beneficiaries can propose for a maximum of Php 500,000 worth of iFund assistance package in which 22 OFW-owned enterprises were provided with iFund in 2024. The iFund covers equipment acquisition, technical trainings, product development, market testing, consultancy services, laboratory testing, packaging and labelling design and its execution, rental of DOST or DOST-assisted facilities, technology business incubation, and mentoring support.  
This funding is a tool for turning their business ideas into reality, enabling them to contribute to the local economy and create sustainable livelihoods for themselves and their families.  
Overall, this initiative reflects a commitment to developing entrepreneurship through technology among OFWs, empowering them to leverage their skills and experiences in meaningful ways while having their time spent close to their families. 

Key Strategic Partnerships 
In 2024, we have sealed our partnership with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). As a key agency mandated on migration and reintegration, DMW has been supporting the implementation of the program at the regional level together with the DOST Regional Offices.  

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) officially inks its partnership with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) through a Signing of Memorandum of Understanding  

Aside from the DMW, DOST also partners with Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Technology Business Incubators (TBI), TBI Consortium such as the Strategic Collaborative Alliance Leveraging Ecosystem of Startups in the National Capital Region, and OFW groups such as the Global Filipino Movement, and The Filipinos World.  
 
The successful implementation of iFWD PH is a testament of how Science, Technology and Innovation can expand beyond borders – now allowing for sustainable reintegration for our innovative OFWs. 

By: Francis Angelo Sta. Ana and Bianca Claudette R. Canlas