Overseas Filipino Workers can enjoy various programs and services from the Philippine government through its reintegration programs. Knowing that not all OFWs succeed in working abroad, the government provides immediate relief to give them some comfort during hard times. The Balik Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay Program is designed for OFW women returning to the country.
In 2011, this program was created in order to help pinay migrant workers to start a livelihood project to overcome financial challenges. It is focused on providing livelihood assistance so that Filipina OFWs can build a business for self-employment. Unlike the Balik Pinas Balik Hanapbuhay, this program is exclusive for displaced or distressed Filipina migrant workers. This guide will teach you the benefits, requirements, qualifications, and application tips.
What is the Balik Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay Program
The Balik Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay Livelihood Program provides pinay OFWs with livelihood assistance to help them financially. It consists of starter kits and skills training to make sure they can grow an income-generating business or any livelihood project. The purpose is to expand economic and employment opportunities for Filipina household service workers.
Based on the history of Filipino domestic helpers, there were many cases of abuse. Some didn’t finish their employment contracts, while others didn’t get their salary for some reason. Pinay migrant workers who are unsuccessful abroad and must return to the Philippines can use this livelihood assistance program to start again.
Benefits of the OWWA Balik Pinay Balik Hanabuhay
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) implements this program to provide Filipina workers with the basic livelihood skills they need to remove or reduce their socio-economic vulnerability. One of the key benefits of reintegration programs is that they help improve the socio-economic well-being of returning OFWs in the country.
The Balik Pinay program is managed by the National Reintegration Center for OFWs. In addition to the cash assistance of Php 10,000 for qualified beneficiaries, they will also enjoy numerous benefits including:
- Learn multiple skills from training services through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and other accredited training institutions in the Philippines.
- Develop knowledge in planning, setting up, starting, and operating a business or livelihood project.
- Get better career opportunities and stand out in the local employment market.
Eligible beneficiaries will receive a livelihood grant, Php 2,500 for the training and another Php 7,500 for the starter kit. The training cost includes supplies, materials, a demo kit, honoraria, and other essentials, while the starter kit includes raw materials, tools and jigs, equipment, start-up capital, and others.
Requirements
Before we discuss the requirements, it’s important to know whether you qualify for the Balik Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay program. You must fall under these categories in order to become eligible:
- Distressed pinay OFW under the temporary shelter provided by POLO
- Displaced Filipina migrant workers affected by conflicts and hostilities in the country where they work
- Pinay workers abroad who were victims of human trafficking and illegal recruitment, physical and sexual abuse, and pre-terminated contracts
- Other displaced or distressed women workers
For the documentary requirements, you need to prepare the following in order to qualify for the Balik Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay program:
- Copy of a valid passport with a photo
- Arrival stamp showing your last arrival in the country
- Duly accomplished National Reintegration Center for OFWs Form
- Copy of business plan
How to Apply for Balik Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay
Step 1: The Philippine Overseas Labor Office abroad will prepare distressed or displaced pinay migrant workers for reintegration into the Philippines.
Step 2: The applicant and a POLO officer will complete all the requirements on-site while training the Filipina OFW based on the livelihood project she has chosen.
Step 3: POLO staff will guide the pinay OFW during the Basics of Entrepreneurship training and help with business planning.
Step 4: After completing the training essentials, she will receive a certificate.
Step 5: POLO will provide the applicant with the corresponding livelihood course.
Step 6: The applicant will undergo training with the livelihood course chosen and then proceed to the NRCO.
Step 7: The NRCO staff will provide funding for the starter kit, then endorse the Filipina migrant worker to OWWA Regional Welfare Office or DOLE Regional Offices.
Step 8: The OWWA Regional Welfare Office will get the starter kit delivered to the OFW’s home address.
Video: Livelihood Development Assistance Program & Balik Pinay! Balik Hanapbuhay! Program
In this video, you will learn how to apply for the Balik Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay program as well as the benefits and privileges included in the livelihood assistance package.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who prepares the list of OFWs for reintegration programs?
The Philippine Overseas Labor Office personnel prepares the list of displaced or distressed pinay OFWs returning to the Philippines for productive reintegration.
2. What are the requirements for the Balik Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay Program?
The main requirements of the Balik Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay Program include attendance in the Basics of Entrepreneurship training, livelihood course, and business plan.
3. How much cash assistance is provided for the skills training and starter kit?
Qualified applicants for the Balik Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay Program will receive a total of Php 10,000 for the starter kit cost and skills training cost.
4. Who can apply for the Balik Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay Livelihood Program?
The Balik Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay Program is exclusive for displaced and distressed Filipina migrant workers or pinay OFWs returning to the Philippines for valid reasons. They will receive livelihood starter kits and skills training to help them start a business or livelihood project for income generation.
5. What are the benefits of Balik Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay?
The benefits of the Balik Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay program include Php 10,000 cash assistance, skills training, business planning literacy, and other perks.
Summary
Now that you know how to apply for the Balik Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay, you can enjoy the benefits and livelihood assistance provided for displaced Filipina migrant workers. Make sure to check the qualifications, requirements, and application tips before applying for the program to avoid any hassles upon returning to the Philippines.