Regional Wealth-Building Forum for OFWs and Families in Region VI

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NATCCO in collaboration with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) organized its first leg of the Regional Wealth Building Forum for OFW and Families in Region 6 on September 13, 2024, at the Harbor Town Hotel, Iloilo City. The forum brought together the participation of soon-to-be OFWs heading for Hong Kong and Singapore, OFW circle leaders, and DMW officials. 

Attendees first received a detailed orientation about the Diaspora program and its partnership with DMW presented by NATCCO's Advocacy Unit Head, Lasalette Gumban. She also highlighted the benefits of the collaboration and the support available to their families. 

This was followed by linking the members to Barbaza Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BMPC), a key Diaspora partner of NATCCO in Region 6. BMPC Molo Branch Manager, Mr. Edwin Sanchez, shared about their programs for members, especially their ESOF Program designed for OFW and OFW family members. As participants are encouraged to be members of BMPC, they were oriented to an overview of cooperative fundamentals through their Pre-Membership Education Seminar (PMES).

There are also programs and services available with DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) that our OFWs can avail of, along with a session on financial planning for successful reintegration into the Philippines. Lastly, soon-to-be OFWs are encouraged to be members of Barbaza MPC presenting a timely opportunity for pre-migration financial planning and support. 

These key takeaways have made a meaningful conversation between our participants, which marks a step in strengthening the financial security and support network for OFW communities.