Philippines Senate considers Bagong Balikbayan Act for OFW reintegration

The Philippine Senate is considering Senate Bill 2423, known as the Bagong Balikbayan Act, which aims to establish a comprehensive reintegration framework for returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Sponsored by Senator Raffy Tulfo, the measure proposes that preparations for a worker’s homecoming begin six months before they depart their host country.

The bill outlines four primary support routes: entrepreneurship, employment, schooling, and psychosocial and social support services. Senator Tulfo noted that the current system is reactive, often leaving workers jobless, underemployed, or suffering from psychological trauma upon their return. He also highlighted the risk of returnees losing savings to deceptive business deals.

Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano expressed support for the legislation, emphasizing the necessity of strong interagency cooperation. Cayetano stressed that the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) must work closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to ensure the bill’s programs provide meaningful assistance throughout the migration cycle.