The Department of Tourism is aiming to boost the number of Filipinos engaged in tourism enterprises, sealing a partnership with the Department of Migrant Workers for the Investment in Philippine Opportunities for Nation’s Tourism (IPON Tourism) program, which allows returning overseas Filipino workers to invest in tourism-related properties and activities as partners, owners or entrepreneurs.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the partnership not only supports the sustainable reintegration of OFWs into the country but also reinforces tourism as a pathway to economic opportunity.

“Our workers abroad sustain families and local communities, while tourism generates jobs, supports enterprises, and drives regional growth. Today’s signing of our MOU, a continuation of our Balik Bayani sa Turismo program through IPON Tourism, brings these two pillars of our economy together so that returning OFWs can reintegrate into a sector that is expanding and full of opportunity and hope,” Frasco said after the ceremonial signing of the memorandum of understanding with DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac last Friday.

Touted as the newest and most expansive component of the Balik Bayani sa Turismo partnership launched in January 2024, the IPON Tourism program connects OFWs to income-generating ventures in both public and private sector entities in accommodations, transportation, sales and logistics, among other allied industries.

The program’s investment partners include Duty Free Philippines, Hotel 101 Global, Archipelago Philippine Ferries Corporation (FastCat), DOON Transport Technologies Inc. and 2GO Express Inc.

“These partnerships show that the tourism industry is not only growing, but is continuously expanding its value chain so that our OFWs can participate as workers, mentors, investors, and small-business owners,” Frasco added.

Originally composed of only two components, the Balik Bayani sa Turismo program now provides returning OFWs with additional financing windows to ensure stable economic opportunities upon their return.

One component is the Tourism Livelihood Training, which equips OFWs with industry knowledge and practical skills for long-term careers in the sector. The training covers homestay operations, culinary tourism, farm tourism, tour-guiding and micro-retail. After the program’s successful pilot run involving 41 OFWs in Pangasinan in August 2024, additional trainings will be rolled out in Isabela, Cebu and Davao this December.

Another component, the Teach-it-Forward Program, recognizes the expertise of OFWs by allowing them to mentor and share their knowledge as resource speakers and assessors for tourism development initiatives.

DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac thanked the DOT for its commitment to empowering migrant workers and linking them to tourism-related livelihood.

“Tourism is relevant to OFWs. It’s an opportunity to further the OFW experience, to create livelihood and employment, and to strengthen, of course, our national economy. Sustainable tourism helps transform OFW communities to create more jobs, personal connections, and strengthen local economies,” Cacdac said.