The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) launched a P2-billion fund on Thursday to provide financial assistance to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) seeking to establish businesses upon their return to the country.
The OFW Negosyo Fund, managed through the DTI-Small Business Corp. (SBCorp), aims to strengthen economic resilience as global volatility and conflicts in regions like the Middle East lead to sudden worker displacements.
Starting March 12, 2026, returning Filipinos can access capital to transition from remittances to productive local investments.
Under the program, qualified individuals can apply for loans ranging from P30,000 to P20 million. The facility mirrors the flexible terms of the Women’s Enterprise Fund, offering a grace period of 1 year on both capital and interest payments for eligible products.
Repayment schedules extend up to 5 years, and the agency will waive collateral requirements for loans amounting to P5 million or less.
“We are committed to opening doors for OFWs ready to come home and invest in their own country, especially when external crises force their hand,” DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said.
“Access to capital is often the biggest barrier during these uncertain transitions. Through DTI-SBCorp, we’ve tailored this fund to equip them with the resources to build, hire, and secure their families’ futures—no matter the circumstances,” she said.
The initiative is designed to stimulate local job growth by helping modern-day heroes overcome the hurdles of starting enterprises after years of working abroad. By providing a financial safety net, the government seeks to ensure that geopolitical tensions do not result in long-term economic hardship for Filipino households.
Applicants can process their loans through the DTI-SBCorp Money App on Google Play and Huawei AppGallery or via the official web portal at app.sbcorp.ph. The agency also allows for online registration through its primary website at sbcorp.gov.ph as part of a broader push for digitalization in government services.
