In photo: DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque and DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac, together with representatives from DSWD, DOST, DOLE, DA, DOT, and TESDA, during the ceremonial signing of the Joint Memorandum Circular establishing the National Reintegration Network (NRN) for OFW reintegration.
In photo: DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque and DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac, alongside representatives from other government agencies

Quezon City, Philippines—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reinforced its commitment to the welfare and economic empowerment of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) with the signing of the joint memorandum circular (JMC) establishing the National Reintegration Network (NRN). The ceremonial signing, held on June 07, at the OSHC Compound in Quezon City, represents a pivotal step towards providing comprehensive and sustainable support for OFWs returning to the Philippines.

Headed by the Department of Migrant Workers, sixteen government agencies signed the JMC, commemorating the 30th year of the National Migrant Workers Day. This signifies a whole-of-government commitment to ensuring OFWs receive seamless and dignified support throughout their journey.

A core focus of the DTI’s involvement in the NRN is the crucial role of entrepreneurship in securing the financial future of OFWs and their families. DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque emphasized that entrepreneurship is the most powerful tool to ensure that the hard-earned income of OFWs can be sustained and passed down through generations, with the ultimate goal that future generations will not need to become OFWs.

DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque speaks at a podium during the 30th Anniversary of National Migrant Workers Day, with a screen in the background displaying the theme 'OFW@30: Bayan, Bayani, Bayanihan' and the date '07 June 2023.'

“The story of our OFWs is one of courage and sacrifice. As a mother, a daughter, and a fellow Filipino, I feel the weight of those sacrifices. That is why under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision for a ‘Bagong Pilipinas,’ we are committed to turning every sacrifice into a springboard for success,” Secretary Roque declared.

“We want your hard-earned income to become the seed of a business that grows, endures, and sustains your family—so that one day, our children no longer have to leave home to dream,” the trade chief added.

The DTI is actively working to enhance the accessibility of entrepreneurial services for OFWs. This is done through various channels, including on-the-ground support, online platforms, and reintegration one-stop shop centers.

Secretary Roque further affirmed the government’s steadfast commitment, stating, “To our OFWs, you left with courage. You returned with experience. Now we commit to walk beside you as you build your second journey right here at home”.

The NRN’s framework outlines mechanisms for cooperation, coordination, and resource-sharing among government agencies, identifying suitable programs for OFW reintegration across all phases of labor migration. This comprehensive network, resulting from extensive discussions and collaboration with government agency partners, including the DTI, also provides for the institution of physical and virtual Reintegration One Stop Centers. ♦

Date of Release: 10 June 2025

Related posts:

DTI’s “OKB” fair spotlights Bicol finest at Shangri-La DTI brings OTOP to SM City Dasmariñas, expands market for local businesses DTI secures Divisoria school supplies for reasonable prices as classes near DTI strengthens enterprise support, returns intensive food safety program for regulatory success The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) delegation with Fiuu, a payment solutions company. Foreign Trade Service Corps champions technology advancement at the 2025 Game Development Summit  DTI OTOP Philippines store sign for Cagayan Valley, next to framed map of Cagayan province.DTI opens 8th OTOP Philippines store in Cagayan Valley PH exporters gain tax perks as DTI certifies first export-oriented enterprises under CREATE MORE Act Philippines advances construction, architecture, and engineering collaboration with Australia through second business mission