OWWA, DOLE to offer P100k to P1M to groups of OFWs starting own business

Groups of overseas Filipino workers affected by the coronavirus pandemic who are looking to start their own businesses in the Philippines may soon apply for a P100,000 to P1 million grant from the government.

According to JP Soriano’s report on “24 Oras” on Thursday, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) recently approved the “Tulong Puso Group Livelihood Program” to help OFWs.

Each group of applicants must have at least five members, 80% of whom are OFWs.

The amount of money that each group will receive is dependent on the business they wish to launch.

“Dapat well-organized ‘yung business. Sa application, makita natin na ‘yung organization ay maganda ang pagka-set up,” OWWA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac said.

“‘Yung business plan is thorough and is complete and of course will show na merong risk management and ‘yung probability of success,” he added.

Cacdac also discouraged OFWs from starting businesses that are not allowed under the prevailing quarantine restrictions such as spas.

OWWA will also work with the Trade and Agriculture Departments to release a list of suggested businesses per region.

“Maghanap kayo ng natural business partners ninyo… para kayo’y mag-form ng business kasi unahin muna natin itong group kasi dito natin nakikitang mas may likelihood ng success,” Cacdac advised.

The application guidelines will be released in the following days.—Julia Mari Ornedo/LDF, GMA News