The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
The Departments of Tourism (DOT) and Migrant Workers (DMW) have partnered to launch the Investment in Philippine Opportunities for Nation’s Tourism (IPON Tourism) program, which provides returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) with opportunities to invest in tourism-related ventures as partners, owners or entrepreneurs.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said IPON Tourism would enable OFW to reintegrate while expanding tourism as a source of livelihood.
Frasco said, “Our workers abroad sustain families and local communities, while tourism generates jobs and drives regional growth. This partnership allows returning OFWs to reintegrate into a sector that is expanding and full of opportunity and hope.”
IPON Tourism is the newest and most expansive component of the Balik Bayani sa Turismo (BBST) program launched in January 2024. It links OFWs with income opportunities across various sectors – accommodation, transport, logistics and other tourism-related industries.
Investment partners include Duty Free Philippines, Hotel 101 Global, Archipelago Philippine Ferries Corporation (FastCat), DOON Transport Technologies Inc. and 2GO Express, Inc.
The expanded BBST program now offers returning OFWs more livelihood and business options. Its Tourism Livelihood Training provides industry skills in homestay operations, culinary ventures, farm tourism, tour-guiding and micro-retail.
Another component, the Teach-it-Forward Program, taps the global experience of OFWs as mentors, assessors and resource speakers for tourism development initiatives.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac thanked DOT for opening more opportunities for migrant workers.
Sec. Cacdac said, “Tourism is relevant to the OFWs. It creates livelihood, employment, and strengthens our national economy. Sustainable tourism helps OFW communities generate more jobs and build stronger local economies.”