Regional iFWD PH Focal Coordinators Meet to Make Program More Responsive to Needs of OFWs 

With evolving global and local situations confronting Overseas Filipino Workers, the Department of Science and Technology-NCR hosted the 2024 National Inception Meeting of DOST’s Innovations for Filipinos Working Distantly from the Philippines (iFWD PH) Program last November 7-8, 2024, at the Bayview Hotel in Ermita, Manila to discuss and refine strategies to make the program more responsive to the needs of the country’s modern-day heroes and their families.   

The first day of the Inception Meeting reviewed the profile of OFW applicants, as well as the progress and accomplishments of the program from 2020 to 2024. Central to the discussion was the program’s scope and key performance indicators, which helped to highlight the program’s successes and areas for improvement. This data-driven analysis provided a clearer roadmap for how the program can evolve, by way of expansion and amendments to its guidelines, to better serve its beneficiaries. Project Leader, Ms. Bianca Claudette R. Canlas, mentioned the challenges in implementing the program, as well as the best practices reported nationwide.   

In the afternoon session, Engr. Kisha Grace M. Picpican, Project Manager, and Ms. Liezl Sueno, Senior Science Research Specialist, and the rest of the team from DOST’s Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) provided reminders on the implementation of the national iFWD PH program.  This session provided deeper understanding on the operations and monitoring mechanisms to effectively implement and manage the project.   

The following day focused on the invaluable partnerships that have been fostered under the iFWD PH Program. Key collaborations were discussed, with an emphasis on the collective efforts that have contributed to the program’s success. One such partner is the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). Ms. Kristine C. Monares from the DMW discussed the National Reintegration Cycle, where OFW-entrepreneurs or their families can have access to business training and mentorship programs, as well as grants.    

During the focus group discussions, representatives from various regions shared their experiences, insights, and innovative best practices. Each group engaged in focused discussions on key aspects of the program, including eligibility criteria, recruitment and application processes, ideation and business development, innovation funding and mentoring, and monitoring and evaluation. The inputs generated from this session will play a crucial role in refining and optimizing the iFWD PH program moving forward.    

The iFWD PH Program is being implemented nationwide as input to the country’s agenda on sustainable reintegration of Filipino migrant workers.

 By: Noel G. Calcetas, SCCU