The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is providing a boost to returning migrant workers with the launch of its P2-billion OFW Negosyo Fund, a program aimed at turning remittances into thriving local enterprises.
Set to roll out on March 12, the initiative is being implemented through the Small Business Corporation (SBCorp) and is designed to cushion overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) against sudden job disruptions abroad—like those triggered by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East—by giving them the capital to start sustainable businesses back home.
“Access to capital is often the biggest barrier during these uncertain transitions,” said DTI Secretary Cristina Roque. “Through SBCorp, we’ve tailored this fund to equip OFWs with the resources to build, hire, and secure their families’ futures.”
The OFW Negosyo Fund offers flexible financing options, with loans ranging from P30,000 to P20 million. Borrowers enjoy a one-year grace period on both principal and interest, repayment schedules of up to five years, and waived collateral requirements for loans up to P5 million—features designed to lower entry barriers for entrepreneurial ventures.
Beyond funding, applicants gain access to a network of 1,431 Negosyo Centers nationwide, where business advisors provide hands-on guidance on enterprise planning and navigating other DTI programs. Applications can also be filed online via the SBCorp Money App or its web platform, making capital more accessible than ever.
The program is viewed as a strategic move in redirecting OFW remittances into productive investment, the initiative not only supports returning workers but also stimulates job creation and broader economic growth.
With global uncertainties affecting migrant labor markets, DTI is positioning itself as both a safety net and a growth engine, signaling that Philippine policy is increasingly proactive rather than reactive.
