OFWs Build Better Technology-Based Businesses

The Department of Science and Technology – National Capital Region (DOST-NCR) has strengthened its support for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families through a new partnership with a consortium of leading Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) in Metro Manila. 

DOST-NCR and the Strategic and Collaborative Alliance for Leveraging Ecosystem of Startups – National Capital Region (SCALE NCR) formalized their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on February 28, 2024, at the Innovatrium, Miriam College, Quezon City. This alliance is set to enhance the Innovations for Filipinos Working Distantly from the Philippines (iFWD PH) Program—a flagship DOST initiative supporting the reintegration of returning OFWs through technology-based entrepreneurship. 

Launched in 2020, the iFWD PH Program was developed to empower OFWs affected by the COVID-19 pandemic with the tools to start sustainable, innovation-driven businesses. The program follows a two-phase approach: capability building in science, technology, and innovation (STI)-based entrepreneurship, and funding support for startups owned by OFWs and their families. 

Now, with SCALE NCR on board, beneficiaries will gain access to seasoned mentors and experts from member institutions including the Technological Institute of the Philippines, Adamson University, De La Salle University, Mapúa University, Miriam College, the University of the Philippines, the University of Santo Tomas, and QBO Innovation Hub. 

These partners will guide OFW participants through early-stage ideation to business incubation, and will also co-develop training modules and learning materials for both phases of the program. 

To date, iFWD PH has trained 626 OFWs under Phase 1 and supported 74 OFW-led startups under Phase 2. These ventures span across various sectors such as food, creatives, wellness, software, metal fabrication, and agriculture—collectively generating more than 100 jobs as of 2023. 

With this partnership, OFWs are not only given the opportunity to rebuild, but to build better—through innovation, mentorship, and a supportive ecosystem built for long-term success. 

By: Pinky Marcelo, SCCU