Franchising: A Path Home for OFWs and Their Hard-Earned Savings

By: John Dela Cruz

For millions of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), working abroad is not just a job—it’s a sacrifice made to secure a better future for their families. But for most OFWs, the ultimate dream remains the same: to one day come home and build a good life here in the Philippines.

Turning that dream into reality is not always easy. The big question for many is: how to invest their savings wisely so they can continue earning when they return home?

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Small Business Corporation, and the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) are now actively promoting franchising as one of the best options for returning OFWs. Through their partnership, they hope to guide OFWs into business ventures that are proven, sustainable, and low-risk.

According to a study by Aubrey Tabuga of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, 70% of OFWs are motivated to work abroad by the hope of improving their family’s living conditions. But after years of separation and sacrifice, many OFWs eventually want to come home and still earn a good income.

Franchising offers that opportunity. It gives OFWs access to businesses with proven systems, strong brand recognition, and ongoing support—a safer alternative than starting from scratch. In fact, a report from a local franchising company revealed that over 60% of their franchisees today are OFW families.

And the success rates are promising: according to PFA, franchised businesses in the Philippines have a 90% success rate, much higher than most start-up ventures. This is why more and more OFWs are now considering franchising when planning for their future back home.

With continued support from DTI, PFA, and partner organizations, franchising is becoming a leading option for OFWs who want their savings to grow—and their dreams of coming home to flourish.

For many, franchising is no longer just an option. It’s a path to finally achieving their long-held hopes of coming home to a stable and fulfilling life.