President Noynoy Aquino recently announced that he is instructing the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to set aside P1 billion (US$23.5 million) as “reintegration fund” from which returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) can borrow money.
The goal is definitely noble but it is our hope that the loans program be managed efficiently so that it won’t be a losing venture for the government. Some OFWs do need financial support upon their return and providing access to business capital is a big help towards convincing them to stay permanently.