TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ] 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ] 
First Regular Session 
]
SENATE 
S.B. No.
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25 AUG-7 PI 34
tKCEIVEIIV:
Introduced by SEN. WIN GATCHALIAN
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A COMPREHENSIVE, INTEGRATED, AND SUSTAINABLE 
REINTEGRATION PROGRAM FOR OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) is an integral part of Filipino society. A 
hero in their own right, the OFW voluntarily leaves behind the comforts of family, 
home, and country to sojourn into foreign lands to take up challenging jobs for the 
sake of their loved ones. After time away from home - often years, for many - the 
OFW comes home and faces another struggle: the struggle to reintegrate into Filipino 
society, which has often changed much since they first left home.
This legislation seeks to lend support to our heroic OFWs and their families by 
establishing a comprehensive, integrated, and sustainable reintegration program for 
OFWs. The bill adopts a whole-of-government approach to provide learning, 
employment, business, and psychosocial opportunities for OFWs to reintegrate 
themselves into Filipino society upon returning home. The approach of the 
government under this legislation would include providing job fairs, trainings, 
educational opportunities, psychosocial counseling, and a wide array of other 
opportunities through the frontline departments and agencies of government. Detailed 
services are provided throughout the entire OFW cycle, from the pre-departure to the


on-site and return stages. Undocumented OFWs are also afforded special protections 
under this proposed law to ensure that they are not left behind and forgotten in the 
reintegration process.
Almost 2.5 million Filipinos deployed as OFWs abroad in 2024 alone.1 Thus, this 
critical legislation will directly serve millions of Filipinos who deserve every opportunity 
to fully reintegrate into Filipino society after their service abroad. We owe it to our 
OFWs to pass this legislation.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this rngasure is earnestly
sought.
IN GATCHALIAN
1 Preliminary data from the Department of Migrant Workers - Management Information and 
Technology Service.


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
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25 AUG-7 PI 34
SENATE 
S. B. No.
RtCEIVEi BY;
Introduced by SEN. WIN GATCHALIAN
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A COMPREHENSIVE, INTEGRATED, AND 
SUSTAINABLE REINTEGRATION PROGRAM 
FOR OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Phiiippines 
in Congress assembied:
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SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Bagong
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Baiikbayan Act'.
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SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State recognizes the invaluable
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contributions of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to national development and
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is committed to upholding their fundamental rights, including the right to equal
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opportunity, decent living, dignity, and participation in decision-making
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processes affecting their lives and well-being. Further, it is the declared policy
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of the State to:
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(a) Implement a comprehensive, integrated, and sustainable integration
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program for returning OFWs, addressing economic, social, psychosocial,
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gender-responsive, and cultural dimensions, regardless of their documentation
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status;
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(b) Ensure such reintegration programs are customized to the needs and
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skills of OFWs and mainstreamed throughout the migration cycle and promote:
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1) Access to local employment, entrepreneurship, agriculture.


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fisheries, aquaculture, and other livelihood opportunities;
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2) Development of financial literacy programs; and
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3) Attainment of economic self-sufficiency, social stability, and
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psychosocial well-being for returning OFWs and their families.
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(c) Foster conditions where migration is a matter of choice rather than
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necessity; and
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(d) Collaborate with relevant public and private stakeholders in the
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design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of reintegration programs
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and assistance.
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SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms
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are defined as follows:
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(a) FuH-cyde Reintegration Program refers to interventions starting with
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the pre-departure stage, on-site support during employment, and
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assistance upon return;
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(b) Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) refers to a Filipino who is to be
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engaged, is engaged, or has been engaged in remunerated activity
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in a country of which they are not an immigrant, citizen, or
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permanent resident or is not awaiting naturalization, recognition, or
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admission, whether land-based or sea-based regardless of status;
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excluding a Filipino engaged under a government-recognized
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exchange visitor program for cultural and educational purposes;
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(c) Reintegration refers to a multi-dimensional process enabling OFWs
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to re-establish economic, social, and psychosocial 
well-being upon
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return; and
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(d) Undocumented OFW refers to an OFW not registered with the
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Philippine government as 
an OFW, or 
whose documents are
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incomplete or valid. An undocumented OFW is also known as an
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"irregular OFW."
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This Act shall also extend to OFWs who required targeted assistance,
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including senior or solo-parent OFWs. Furthermore, the families of returnee-
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OFWs shall likewise be covered and benefited by the provisions of this Act,


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subject to and as may be further detailed within the implementing rules and 
regulations promulgated hereto.
SEC. 5. Access to Employment Opportunities and Qualification 
Recognition. -
(a) Job Fairs. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), together with 
the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) shall, in 
coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), 
Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry 
(DTI), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), 
Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Health (DOH), Civil 
Service Commission (CSC), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), 
Public Employment Services Office, and in consultation with concerned 
business chambers and groups in the private sector, private enterprises 
recognized for ensuring security of tenure, humane conditions of work, 
and a living wage, and relevant Local Government Units (LGUs), plan 
and conduct regular series of job fairs in strategic sites and LGUs where 
there are significant presence of returnee-OFWs.
These job fairs shall facilitate employment opportunities in: (1) the 
private sector; (2) the national or local government, including their 
agencies, bureaus, offices, instrumentalities, and government-owned 
and/or controlled corporations (GOCCs), for civil service qualified OFWs; 
and (3) academic and non-academic positions in public schools, and 
state colleges and universities. Such job fairs shall take into 
consideration the specific skills, credentials, eligibilities, and experience 
acquired by OFWs from working overseas.
(b) Expanded Employment Facilitation. The DMW and other concerned 
government agencies shall expand the employment facilitation offering 
for OFWs in the public, private, and development sectors based on 
progressive eligibility or qualification criteria, in partnership with the


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relevant national government agencies, the Private Sector Advisory 
Council, industry or professional associations, and other stakeholders.
(c) Civil Service Eligibility. The CSC shall formulate guidelines to grant 
appropriate civil service eligibility to non-civil service qualified OFWs, 
based on the education, training, and experience they acquired while 
living or working overseas.
(d) Skills and Academic Recognition. The Technical Education and Skills 
Development Authority (TESDA) and the CHED shall provide the 
necessary rules and regulations to grant pertinent national certification 
or appropriate degree diploma(s), respectively, recognizing the 
education, training, and experience OFWs acquire while living or working 
overseas.
SEC. 6. Initiation of Reintegration Process. - The reintegration process 
for concerned OFWs shall be initiated by the relevant Migrant Workers Offices 
(MWOs) six (6) months before the intended return of the OFW to the 
Philippines. This process shall commence by providing access to four (4) paths 
for reintegration, namely:
(a) Education, upskilling / reskilling / retooling / micro-credentialing 
(Kaalaman);
(b) Psychosocial and social support services (Kalinga);
(c) Entrepreneurship (Negosyo); and
(d) Employment (Hanapbuhay).
SEC. 7. Returnee-OFWs Management Information System (ROMIS) and 
Reintegration Management System (RMS). -
(a) Establishment of ROMIS. The DMW shall establish and maintain the 
ROMIS, which shall serve as the primary information network and 
database containing information on the educational attainment, skills 
levels, and experience of all returning OFWs. The ROMIS shall


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function as a referral system to the private sector and government 
institutions to facilitate job matching, possible hiring, and/or skills 
upgrading.
(b) Development and Function of RMS. Within the ROMIS framework, 
the DMW shall finalize the development and operationalization of the 
RMS. The RMS shall be an online system and platform designed to 
streamline the reintegration process for returnee-OFWs. It shall 
provide access to a range of services, including financial literacy 
programs, livelihood training, and access to funding opportunities.
(c) System Objectives. Both the ROMIS and RMS shall facilitate effective 
connections with government and private sector partners to ensure 
a smooth transition for returnee-OFWs back into local employment 
or entrepreneurship. The RMS shall further aim to provide efficient 
support for the holistic needs of returnee-OFWs and their families, 
thereby seeking to empower them to reintegrate successfully and 
continue contributing to national development.
SEC. 8. Institutional Framework for Recognition. -
(a) Lead Agency. The DMW shall, in coordination with the OWWA and 
the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO), serve as the 
primary agency responsible for the implementation of the full-cycle 
reintegration program.
(b) Role of the NRCO. The NRCO shall function as the central 
coordination mechanism to: (1) enhance participation of all 
stakeholders to achieve transformative, effective, and efficient 
delivery of services to returnee-OFWs and their families; and (2) 
Ensure the harmonized and synergized implementation of the full- 
cycle national reintegration policy and program.
The NRCO shall design and institutionalize reintegration 
frameworks, strategies, and standards that address the economic, 
social and psychological aspects of return, and shall lead the 
coordination of relevant government agencies, local government


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units, and partners from the private sector and civil society. Together 
with the OWWA, it shall implement reintegration programs and 
services in accordance with established plans, policies, and 
guidelines. It shall maintain a centralized reintegration database, 
undertake policy and program research, and ensure that all 
reintegration initiatives are coherent, evidence-based, and aligned 
with national migration and development properties.
(c) Role of MWOs and OWWA Overseas Welfare Offices (OWOS). The 
MWOs together with the OWOS located abroad shall be strengthened 
to enable them to provide reintegration counseling and support 
services directly to OFWs onsite, including undocumented workers.
SEC. 9. Pre-Return and Reintegration Orientation Seminar (PRROS). - 
There shall be a PPROS to be offered by MWOs worldwide, similar in intent to 
pre-employment, pre-departure, and post-arrival orientation seminars, but 
concentrating on essential information for a returning OFW seeking to be 
reintegrated back into the Philippine economy and society.
SEC. 10. Business-Oriented Capacity-Building Training.
(a) Provision of Training. The DOLE shall, in coordination with the DTI 
and the DA, provide Business-Oriented Capacity-Building Training for 
OFWs who are seeking to set up their businesses.
(b) Training Focus Areas. The training shall focus on the following key 
areas: (1) business conceptualization and conduct of feasibility 
studies; (2) registration and all other administrative matters related 
to creating one's own business; (3) safe and sustainable business 
financing, incorporating the DMW's Financial Awareness Seminar- 
Small Business Management Training (FAS-SMBT), which promotes 
financial awareness and provides training for the development and 
management of small businesses; (4) business promotion / 
advertising / marketing; and (5) service/product delivery.


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(c) Enhancement of FAS-SBMT and Collaboration. The DMW's FAS-SBMT
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shall strengthen program coordination and shall expand its offerings.
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Pursuant thereto, the DMW shall collaborate with concerned national
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government agencies and stakeholders to provide co-opportunities
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for entrepreneurship development, incubation, marketing, and
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mentoring.
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(d) DA Agricultural Credit Policy Council Support (ACPC). The DA's ACPC
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shall offer capacity-building support alongside its credit programs.
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The DA and its ACPC shall provide services specifically designed for
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those engaged in the agri-fishery sector. This support shall be made
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available to returnee-OFWs applying for ACPC's loan programs to
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assist them in acquiring the necessary skills and improving their
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business management.
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(e) Small Business Corporation (SB Corp). The SB Corp., a government-
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owned and controlled corporation operating under the DTI, shall
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support reintegration efforts by providing capacity-building programs
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and access to credit facilities.
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(f) Mentorship facilitation. The training provided under this Section shall
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serve as a means by which returnee-OFWs are assisted in finding
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and connecting with mentors in the business sector, particularly
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those established in the industry the returnee-OFW intends to enter.
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(g) Prioritization. Prioritization for participation in the training and related
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support under this Section shall be given to those returnee-OFWs
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with no background in putting together and running or operating
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their own businesses, particularly those intending to establish a sole
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proprietorship and having no seasoned business partners.
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SEC. 11. Components of Reintegration Services. - Reintegration services
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shall include the following components provided at relevant stages of the
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migration cycle:
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(a) Pre-Departure:
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1. Mandatory pre-departure orientation seminars covering


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available reintegration 
services and support for
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undocumented OFWs;
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2. Financial literacy training focused on management of earnings
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and future planning; and
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3. Family counseling on coping mechanisms for separation and
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eventual reunification.
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(b) On-Site Support:
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1. Provision of accessible support services through MWOs for
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OFWs in distress, including undocumented workers;
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2. Opportunities for skills development and training designed to
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enhance employability upon return; 
and
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3. Establishment of mechanisms for addressing exploitation and
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abuse, ensuring access to legal and psychosocial support.
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(c) Upon Return:
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1. Provision of personalized reintegration counseling and case
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management to develop tailored reintegration plans;
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2. Delivery of economic reintegration assistance, including
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facilitation of job placement, entrepreneurship training, and
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access to financing;
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3. Facilitation of social reintegration support, covering access to
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housing, documentation, education, healthcare, and social
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protection schemes;
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4. Provision of psychosocial support services addressing mental
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health concerns and challenges from migration; and
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5. Grant of special attention to the needs of vulnerable OFWs,
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particularly victims of trafficking, persons with disabilities, and
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those with specific medical or psychosocial needs.
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SEC. 12. Protection of Undocumented OFWs. No undocumented OFW
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shall be denied reintegration services due to their status. Mechanisms shall be
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established for the regularization of undocumented OFW's status upon return
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to facilitate access to services and benefits. Information dissemination


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campaign shall inform undocumented OFWs of their rights and available 
reintegration support. A dedicated hotline and online platform shall be 
established for confidential assistance to undocumented OFWs.
SEC. 13. Monitoring and Evaiuation. - The DMW shall develop a 
monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the reintegration program's 
effectiveness and conduct regular impact assessments to ensure program 
responsiveness to OFW's evolving needs.
SEC. 14. Dedicated Financing and Loan Programs. -
(a) Development and Provision. The DMW and the OWWA shall, in 
coordination with the Department of Finance (DOF), the Department 
of Budget and Management (DBM), the DA, particularly its 
Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Services (AMAS), and ACPC, 
Government Financial Institutions (GFIs) and qualified private 
financial institutions, develop and provide dedicated financing or loan 
programs.
(b) Purpose and Terms. These programs shall facilitate the 
establishment, operation, sustainability, or expansion of enterprises 
and livelihood projects, including micro, small, and medium-sized 
enterprises (MSMEs), owned by returnee-OFWs, under minimal and 
affordable terms and conditions.
(c) Eligibility and Support. (1) The dedicated programs under this section 
shall primarily cater to returnee-OFWs with no existing enterprise or 
livelihood project. (2) Returnee-OFWs with an existing enterprise 
that is dismally performing shall also be eligible: Provided, That the 
DMW, OWWA, DOF, DBM, DA (through AMAS and ACPC), and GFIs 
shall provide financial and other support, including technical 
guidance, necessary to revitalize the undertaking. (3) Returnee- 
OFWs with existing enterprises deemed robust may be referred to 
the standing programs of the DTI for appropriate assistance.


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SEC. 15. Program for Qualified OFWs to Teach in the Academe. - The 
DMW shall, in coordination with the CHED and TESDA, provide a program to 
invite qualified and highly-skilled OFWs to teach in colleges/universities 
recognized by the CHED and/or in training centers accredited by the TESDA.
SEC. 16. Social Assistance Measures. - The DMW shall, together with 
the OWWA, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the DA, 
shall include returnee-OFWs as beneficiaries in their respective social protection 
and other relevant programs.
The DMW and the OWWA, through their regional offices, shall 
encourage community engagements for returnee-OFWs and their families.
All reintegration programs and services, including social assistance 
measures under this Act, shall be guided by the principles mandated under 
Section 17 of Republic Act no. 11641, otherwise known as the "Department of 
Migrant Workers Act," ensuring a multi-dimensional reintegration program that 
effectively addresses the economic, social, psychosocial, and cultural aspects 
of reintegration.
The implementing rules and regulations of this Act shall contain detailed 
and specific provisions on social assistance and protection to ensure that more 
OFWs are included in the various social protection programs offered by the 
government, the private sector, and non-government organizations (NGOs).
SEC. 17. Right to Participate. - Former OFWs who are to be reintegrated 
into the Philippine domestic economy shall, as much as practicable, participate 
in policy and decision-making processes affecting their rights and benefits 
under existing laws and under the provisions of this Act.
SEC. 18. Application of Anti-Age Discrimination Law. -
(a) Compliance Obligation. In the extension of services to former OFWs 
and in all matters concerning their local or domestic employment, all 
government agencies, GOCCs, and all private corporations, 
partnerships, sole proprietorships, including NGOs and other kinds of


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private organizations, shall strictly observe and follow all provisions 
of Republic Act No. 10911, otherwise known as the "Anti-Age 
Discrimination in Employment Act."
(b) Monitoring and Coordination. The DMW and the DOLE shall 
constantly coordinate to monitor the plight and situation of all former 
OFWs employed in local/domestic jobs to ensure full compliance with 
the aforementioned law.
SEC. 19. Psychosocial Support and Counseling. - The DMW shall, 
together with OWWA and the DOH, facilitate psychosocial support and 
reintegration counselling for returnee-OFWs and their families.
SEC. 20. National Reintegration Network (NRN). - The NRN shall be 
established through formal partnership agreements with relevant government 
and private partner agencies. It shall serve to strengthen and institutionalize 
collaborative efforts aimed at ensuring the effective delivery of reintegration 
programs and services. The NRN shall facilitate convenient and seamless 
access to such services through the creation of both Physical and Online One- 
Stop-Shops, wherein all relevant programs and services are integrated and 
made available on a unified platform. All government agencies and 
instrumentalities offering services to OFWs shall form part of the NRN.
SEC. 21. Creating/Upgrading Offices and Personnel. - The DMW and 
other concerned government agencies, upon consultation with and approval of 
the DBM, shall create or upgrade the necessary offices and hire appropriate 
personnel to ensure the effective implementation of this Act.
SEC. 22. Non-Diminution of Benefits. - All rights, privileges, and benefits 
previously enjoyed by returnee or reintegrated OFWs before the effectivity of 
this Act, including those set forth in Republic Act No. 8042, otherwise known 
as the "Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipino Act of 1995", as amended. 
Republic Act No. 10801 or the "Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Act,"


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and other relevant laws and issuances, including pertinent Supreme Court 
decisions, shall continue to be recognized and shall not be diminished.
SEC. 23. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DMW shall, 
together with the OWWA and the National Reintegration Center for OFWs 
(NCRO), promulgate the necessary implementing rules and regulations within 
ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act.
The promulgation shall be made in coordination with the key 
government agencies mentioned in this Act, and in consultation with concerned 
GOCCs, especially those giving grants, extending loans, and providing technical 
assistance to MSMEs, and other relevant stakeholders in the private sector and 
NGOs.
SEC. 24. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the initial 
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current year's 
appropriations of the departments and agencies concerned. Thereafter, such 
amount shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
SEC. 25. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is 
declared invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions hereof shall remain in full 
force and effect.
SEC. 26. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules, 
and regulations which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, 
amended, or modified accordingly.
SEC. 27. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days 
from its publication in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general 
circulation.
Approved,
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