Returning overseas Filipino workers may have an easier time finding local jobs that match the skills they built abroad. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is strengthening its work with Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs) in Metro Manila to connect returnees with employers and suitable vacancies.
OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne “PY” M. Caunan said the partnership with local PESOs will help connect returnees with employers and vacancies that match the work they did abroad to speed up the job search for OFWs coming home. Through city and municipal PESOs, returning workers can be referred to employers looking for people with their kind of overseas experience. The goal is to help OFWs rebuild their income at home instead of starting their job search from zero.
The plan was announced during “Gabi ng Pasasalamat: Pagpupugay sa mga Kabalikat ng OWWA” on October 27, 2026, where OWWA honored local government partners in the National Capital Region (NCR).
How the Job Matching Will Work
PESOs will serve as the local point of contact for returning OFWs. They are expected to link workers with employers and vacancies suited to the skills and work experience they gained overseas.
- Refer returning OFWs to local job openings.
- Match workers with employers based on overseas experience.
- Guide those who want to start or expand a business.
- Run OFW Help Desks for workers and their families.
- Bring OWWA’s welfare, reintegration, and livelihood services closer to communities.
Caunan called LGU-PESOs the agency’s “bridge” to OFWs in every city and municipality. She said OWWA wants its programs and services to be more accessible to workers and their families.
Support Beyond Employment
The initiative is not limited to job placement. OWWA also wants returning OFWs to receive reintegration support and livelihood assistance as they rebuild their lives in the Philippines.
Caunan said she hopes every local government in Metro Manila will hold its own Alagang OWWA Serbisyo Caravan. These caravans would bring welfare assistance, reintegration services, and livelihood programs directly to OFW communities.
Which NCR Offices Were Recognized
OWWA NCR honored PESOs and partner offices for helping OFWs through employment support, family programs, and livelihood initiatives.
- Accessible and effective service: Caloocan, Makati, Manila, Pateros, and San Juan City PESOs.
- OFW Family Circles: Malabon, Marikina, Navotas, Pasay, and Taguig City PESOs, along with the Taguig OFW Affairs Office.
- Family development: Mandaluyong and Parañaque City PESOs.
- OFW entrepreneurship: Las Piñas and Valenzuela City PESOs.
- 2026 Kabalikat ng OWWA Award: Muntinlupa and Pasig City PESOs, plus Quezon City PESO and its Migrant Resource Center.
The recognition was led by Caunan, Deputy Administrator Jasmine Ann B. Gapatan, and OWWA NCR Regional Director Ma. Teresa B. Capa.
What Returning OFWs Can Do
OFWs who have arrived home may coordinate with the PESO in their city or municipality and ask about job referrals, reintegration assistance, and livelihood programs. They should also ask about OWWA services available to returning workers and their families.
OWWA has not released specific eligibility rules, application requirements, or a start date for the expanded job-matching effort. Returning workers should confirm the available services directly with their local PESO or OWWA office.