OFW Party List Advocates for a Strong and Comprehensive Reintegration Program for Returning OFWs

On Wednesday, OFW Party List Representative Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino delivered a sponsorship speech at the Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs meeting, underscoring the urgent need for reintegration programs for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) returning to the Philippines. Through House Resolution No. 2056 and House Bill No. 1130, she called for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to ensure the successful reintegration of OFWs, particularly those who have encountered difficulties abroad or returned home involuntarily.

Rep. Magsino emphasized House Resolution No. 2056, which aims to investigate the implementation of reintegration programs by government agencies such as the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and other relevant institutions. She highlighted the importance of assessing the comprehensiveness, effectiveness, and alignment of these programs to meet the varied needs of returning OFWs.

“Mayroon sa mga OFWs ang mapalad na nakapagpundar para sa kanilang mga pamilya at naging komportable ang
pamumuhay pag-uwi sa bansa. Subali’t marami rin ang mga nabigo: mga naging biktima ng mga mapang-abusong amo,
ng illegal recruitment at human trafficking, mababang pasahod at samu’t-saring mga problema. Suma total ay napilitang umuwi sa Pilipinas nang walang-wala at problema pa ang utang na iniwan para lamang makaalis ng bansa. This why in the entire labor migration cycle, the smooth
and sustainable reintegration to society of returning OFWs is critical.”, said Rep. Magsino.

The legislator also introduced House Bill No. 1130, which proposes an Integrated Reintegration Program aimed at addressing the economic, social, and psychosocial needs of all returning OFWs, regardless of their documentation status or reason for returning. Rep. Magsino emphasized that “economic reintegration” focuses on employment and enterprise development, while social reintegration ensures welfare services and community engagement. Capacity-building enhances skills through education and training, and psychosocial support fosters emotional well-being and social connections. These interrelated programs aim to help OFWs transition successfully and contribute to society, following the holistic approach outlined in the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM) Reintegration Handbook.

Citing Republic Act No. 11641, Rep. Magsino underscored the government’s constitutional responsibility to implement a full-cycle reintegration program embedded in all stages of migration. She called for stronger inter-agency coordination to close gaps in current initiatives and proposed creating mechanisms similar to those used for medical repatriation and human trafficking prevention.

“Nais kong bigyang-diin na ang reintegrasyon ay hindi lamang isang mekanismo ng suporta kundi isang konstitusyunal na obligasyon upang itaguyod ang pang-ekonomiya at panlipunang kapakanan ng ating mga OFW. Kinikilala natin ang kanilang napakahalagang ambag sa pagtataguyod ng ating bayan. Ako ay nananawagan sa komite na aprubahan ang mga resolusyon at batas na aking inihain at patuloy na pag-aralan ang mga hakbang upang higit pang mapalakas ang mga programa para sa reintegrasyon ng mga nagbabalik na OFW,” Rep. Magsino said.

The Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs , chaired by Rep. Jude Acidre, approved the bills on reintegration and will prepare the Committee Report on the substitute bill.