DMW, GCash launch Buy Lokal by OFWs initiative on GHub to support returning OFWs amidst global crisis

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and GCash formalized a partnership to support the reintegration of returning OFWs by providing entrepreneurship opportunities and digital financial tools to help them grow their businesses.

The signing ceremony, led by DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and GCash Head of Public Sector Cleo Celeste Santos, underscores both organizations’ commitment to empowering OFWs as they return and rebuild their livelihoods in the Philippines.

This was followed by the official launch of “Buy Lokal, By OFWs” Powered by GCash, as the government strengthens initiatives to support OFWs amid the ongoing crisis abroad. Alongside this event was a trade fair showcasing different business ventures by returning OFWs, ranging from food products and personal care items to handicrafts.

Boosting support for returning OFW entrepreneurs

OFWs face many challenges both while working abroad and when returning home. Limited access to financial services, difficulties managing remittances, and a lack of support during reintegration make it hard for them to achieve financial stability. These obstacles often leave returning OFWs struggling to build sustainable livelihoods and fully rejoin the local economy.

DMW Director IV Andrea Anolin shared that the program aims to provide returning OFWs opportunities to start their business, opening them up to markets where they can sell their own products. “We have a long-term plan here, and the support of GCash is really something that we also want to make sustainable,” she added.

“The main goal of DMW and GCash is to help OFWs come home with stable livelihoods. We want them to be financially prepared with sustainable income, and have more time with their families here in the Philippines,” GCash International Head of Product Julie Ann Abalos said.

With “Buy Lokal, By OFWs — Powered by GCash,” the country’s leading finance super app is throwing its support behind the initiative. The DMW program promotes products and services by returning OFWs, supporting their entrepreneurship through marketing, branding, and business growth opportunities.

The program has four key components that support OFW entrepreneurship. These include digital tools to help them manage and grow their businesses, as well as marketplace integration through GHub, which showcases OFW-owned businesses online to make them easier to find and support.

It also provides financial inclusion and literacy to help entrepreneurs manage their finances and plan for growth, along with co-branding and marketing support to increase the visibility of their businesses through joint promotions.

The program also includes access to government services, including SSS, Pag-IBIG, and PhilHealth, helping OFWs plan for long-term security as they reintegrate into the local economy.

Assisting OFWs with digital tools

While the partnership prioritizes reintegration support, it also recognizes the needs of OFWs currently deployed abroad. GCash Overseas continues to provide seamless financial services, easy access to remittances, and tools for daily financial management, ensuring support at every stage of the OFW experience.

The partnership between GCash and DMW reflects a shared vision to improve the lives of OFWs and their families through entrepreneurship, financial education, and digital enablement, creating pathways for Filipinos to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute to the Philippine economy.

Along with this, GCash recently launched GCash International Transfers, allowing users to send money directly from their wallet to overseas bank accounts, cards, and e-wallets. The service is available in 16 countries, with plans of further expansion. It enables individuals and MSMEs to send funds in pesos while recipients receive the amount in their local currency for easier and more convenient transactions.

Until April 30, Filipinos in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Israel, Lebanon, and Jordan will not be charged for their bank transfers to the Philippines and other transactions like buy load and pay bills. Waived transaction fees will be credited back via in-app cashback. No registration is required, eligible fees will be automatically returned to GCash user accounts, and users will receive an in-app notification confirming that the cashback has been successfully credited.

GCash users in the Philippines can also remit money to their loved ones in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman for free via GCash International Transfer.

For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.

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