The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has provided PHP10.7 million in livelihood assistance to 1,067 female overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) nationwide under its Balik Pinay, Balik Hanapbuhay (BPBH) program.

In a press release on Monday, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac described the distribution as the largest single disbursement in the program’s history, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to empower OFWs and their families through sustainable reintegration.

“We have accomplished much, but there is still more to do for our beloved OFWs and their families. This would not be possible without the support of our President and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM),” Cacdac said in Filipino.

Cacdac thanked Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, who attended the distribution event at the DMW office in Mandaluyong City.

A total of 128 OFWs from the National Capital Region each received PHP10,000 in livelihood aid, while 939 others from 15 regions simultaneously received their assistance through DMW regional offices.

Among the regions, Soccsksargen topped the number of beneficiaries at 185, followed by Western Visayas (160), Davao Region (125), and Central Luzon (107). Other beneficiaries came from Cagayan Valley, Bicol Region, Calabarzon, Eastern Visayas, Caraga, Ilocos Region, Northern Mindanao, Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Mimaropa, and the Cordillera Administrative Region.

Pangandaman, for her part, emphasized the government’s commitment to gender-inclusive programs through the Women’s Budget, which allocates at least 5 percent of the General Appropriations Act (GAA) to support women-focused initiatives.

The BPBH program, led by the National Reintegration Center for OFWs, provides financial assistance and training to help distressed female OFWs start businesses, reducing their economic vulnerability and expanding job opportunities in their home provinces. (PNA)