House Committee on Higher and Technical Education Chairman Jude Acidre urged the Senate to swiftly pass the Bagong Balikbayan Act to support returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
The bill, approved by the House in December 2025 and principally authored by former Speaker Martin Romualdez, aims to consolidate reintegration services, expand livelihood assistance, and provide long-term support for OFWs and their families.
Acidre said the measure addresses gaps in existing programs that often leave returning workers unemployed or underemployed despite their overseas skills and experience.
Under the proposed law, reintegration assistance would begin six months before an OFW’s return and include job fairs, skills recognition, psychosocial support, and digital platforms for easier access to services.
The bill also strengthens protections for vulnerable and distressed OFWs, offering livelihood training, family reintegration support, and access to social programs.
Source: PhilNews24 | February 9, 2026
ACIDRE URGES SENATE TO FAST-TRACK BAGONG BALIKBAYAN ACT AMID OFW REINTEGRATION ISSUES
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