DTI grants first OFW Negosyo Loans

The Department of Trade and Industry has awarded an initial PHP 2.9 million in loan assistance under the OFW Negosyo Fund to support the reintegration of returning overseas Filipino workers, including those affected by the Middle East crisis.

The assistance was awarded during the “Bayanihan para sa Balikbayang Manggagawa: A Reintegration Network (NRN) Fair,” which the agency said was aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to empower “modern-day heroes” and their families by giving them capital to start or expand businesses in the Philippines.

The first businesses granted financial support at the awarding were Aqualirio Drinking Water Refilling Station, Zia Parmacia Pharmacy, and Events Management Service Velare by Syd Bilaro.

The other recipients named by DTI were Rosel Food and Refreshment Hub, ABCV Waffle Food Kiosk, Masterbuild Hardware & Construction Supplies, Sara’s Kitchenette, Nineteen Printing Shop, Lyn Amparo’s Kakanin Products Manufacturing, BGP Kitchen Equipment Repair and Maintenance Services, and DNC Motorcycle Parts Shop.

The rollout marks the first loan assistance released under the fund and signals the government’s push to steer returning OFWs toward entrepreneurship as part of reintegration, especially for workers displaced by overseas instability.

DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque said the government was using an interagency approach to help OFWs rebuild livelihoods when they come home.

“Sa ating mga OFW, please take advantage of this opportunity. The DTI is here to help you—as best as we can, and as aggressively as we can. Through a whole-of-government approach, we want to ensure our OFWs that when you come home, you are supported. You come home to opportunities, programs, and a government ready to help you move forward.” Roque added.

Through its financing arm, the Small Business Corporation, or SBCorp, DTI said it has allocated PHP 2 billion for the OFW Negosyo Fund to support enterprise development among repatriated OFWs through start-up and multi-purpose loans.

Under the program, loan amounts range from PHP 30,000 to PHP 20 million for OFWs with at least one year of experience in running a business, depending on eligibility and financing needs.

The fund also offers a grace period with no payment of capital and interest for 0, 6, or 12 months, depending on the borrower’s chosen option.

DTI said no collateral is required for loans of up to PHP 3 million for new borrowers and up to PHP 5 million for existing borrowers.

Repayment terms are flexible, with borrowers allowed up to five years to pay.

As part of the department’s digitalization push, OFWs may apply through the DTI-SBCorp Money App available on Google Play and Huawei AppGallery, or through the web app at app.sbcorp.ph.

The agency said online registration for the loan facility may also be completed through sbcorp.gov.ph.

For in-person assistance, DTI said OFWs may visit any of the 1,431 Negosyo Centers nationwide, where staff can guide business planning and help applicants navigate available DTI programs.

The department advised interested applicants to call hotline 1-384 for more details on the fund and related services.