𝗗𝗢𝗦𝗧 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝗶𝗙𝗪𝗗 𝗣𝗛: in 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝗙𝗪𝘀

Bulacan- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region III is transforming the lives of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) through its 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗼𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 (𝗶𝗙𝗪𝗗 𝗣𝗛) program.

This initiative is a beacon of hope for returning OFWs, offering them a pathway to reintegration by empowering them to establish their own businesses and reunite with their families. The iFWD PH program is designed to equip OFWs with the tools, knowledge, and funding needed to transition into successful entrepreneurs. By leveraging science, technology, and innovation (STI), the program not only provides livelihood opportunities but also fosters sustainable economic growth in Central Luzon.

The program unfolds in two impactful phases:

𝗣𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝟭: 𝗖𝗔𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗕𝗨𝗜𝗟𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚. Participants undergo comprehensive online techno-preneurship training, covering essential topics such as business planning, financial literacy, and enterprise management. This phase lays the foundation for entrepreneurial success, equipping OFWs with the skills needed to navigate the business landscape.

𝗣𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝟮: 𝗜𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗩𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗙𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗘𝗖𝗛𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧. Eligible participants receive innovation funding and technical assistance to bring their business ideas to life. This phase focuses on turning plans into reality, with DOST providing guidance and financial support to ensure sustainability.

Since its implementation, the iFWD PH program has achieved remarkable milestones in Region III. From 2022 to 2024, DOST-III trained 37 OFWs in Phase 1 and supported five business ventures under Phase 2. These achievements reflect the program’s commitment to creating sustainable income sources for returning OFWs, enabling them to thrive without leaving the country again.

DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. has been instrumental in driving the program’s success. His unwavering support for inclusive STI initiatives has amplified the program’s reach, ensuring that more OFWs benefit from government-backed opportunities. Secretary Solidum emphasizes the importance of empowering OFWs with innovation-driven enterprises, highlighting their role in fostering regional development.

The iFWD PH program contributes to the growth of Central Luzon’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. By encouraging inclusive growth and sustainable development, it underscores the transformative power of science and technology in rebuilding lives and communities. Through iFWD PH, DOST Region III is not just uplifting OFWs but also shaping a future where innovation drives progress, families are reunited, and communities thrive.

This program is a testament to the enduring impact of empowering individuals with the tools to create lasting change.

iFWD PH is more than a program—it is a movement towards a brighter future, empowering OFWs to rebuild their lives, strengthen their families, and contribute to a thriving, innovation-driven Central Luzon.