Some 400 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families received P5,000 in cash each, for a total of P2 million, from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos during Go Negosyo’s Balik-Bayan 2024 event.

The cash handout was in celebration of OFW Month and the holiday season. All told, a total of P3 million was given to OFWs and their families who attended the event.

Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion thanked the First Couple and urged the recipients to put the money to good use as entrepreneurs.

“We are grateful for the support of the government and the private sector in our efforts to help our OFWs become successful entrepreneurs,” Concepcion said.

Requirements fulfilled

The 400 OFWs were among the thousands who attended the Balik-Bayan 2024 last 7 December and met the documentary requirements to qualify for the cash gift.

Most of the recipients said they would use the money for their small businesses.

Concepcion’s RFM Corporation donated P1 million in products, while Go Negosyo gave cash prizes to the early birds who had lined up as early as the day before the event.

Organized by Go Negosyo, Balik-Bayan 2024 featured informative discussions with industry leaders, inspirational and learning sessions featuring successful entrepreneurs, and free onsite mentorship sessions where OFWs and their families consulted with Go Negosyo mentors about their current or planned businesses.

Concepcion thanked the OFWs for their sacrifices and their families for the support they gave their family member who worked overseas.

“We don’t want you to spend your savings without proper mentorship,” Concepcion told the participants. “We are here to help you.”