𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗟𝗶𝘇𝗮 𝗔𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘁𝗮-𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗼𝘀 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝗙𝗪 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗚𝗢 𝗡𝗲𝗴𝗼𝘀𝘆𝗼 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀

Nine outstanding overseas Filipino entrepreneurs were honored Friday at the 2025 GONegosyo Balikbayan Awards held at the Mall of Asia Music Hall, celebrating OFWs who have successfully built and expanded businesses after returning home.

First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and GONegosyo Chair Joey Concepcion led the awards ceremony, emphasizing strong national support for OFW-led enterprises.

Among the awardees are three entrepreneurs from Buy Lokal, By OFW, a program by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) for OFWs’ reintegration. Grace Valencia from Batangas, a former teacher in China, was recognized for her handcrafted, locally sourced bags; Melvin Awid, a former seafarer and Likhang Marino 2025 finalist, is now a farmer-entrepreneur producing high-quality, locally grown vanilla in Sarangani; and Rambie Go from Cebu, a former office supervisor in the UAE, was honored for her expanding line of fashion and lifestyle products that showcase Filipino creativity and craftsmanship.

The Department of Migrant Workers said their accomplishments showcase the innovation, discipline, and resilience of OFW entrepreneurs who create livelihoods and uplift their communities. The DMW celebrates their success as a testament to the impact of government reintegration programs and the crucial role of returning migrant workers in promoting inclusive local economic growth.