Reaffirming nearly two decades of steadfast partnership, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and BDO Unibank formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on April 26 at the OWWA Central Building. The agreement marks a significant evolution in their shared mission to safeguard the financial well-being of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families.
Since 2006, BDO has been a pivotal partner in OWWA’s welfare initiatives. This latest agreement transitions the relationship from standard cooperation to a more robust, integrated framework designed to meet the changing needs of modern Filipino workers.
Key pillars of the partnership include:
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Enhanced Financial Literacy: Expanding BDO’s role in the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminars (PDOS) with specialized modules on income management and savings.
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Reintegration Readiness: Shifting focus from mere financial access to creating sustainable economic opportunities for OFWs returning to the Philippines.
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Institutional Synergy: Continued BDO participation in nationwide OWWA events that celebrate and support the OFW community.
During the signing ceremony, OWWA Administrator PY Caunan highlighted the long-term vision of the collaboration, stating that the agency aims to look beyond the immediate migration cycle.
“With this MOU with BDO, we will go beyond just providing access to financial literacy sessions to creating opportunities for OFWs once they return here in the Philippines,” said Admin Caunan.
Genie Gloria, Senior Vice President and Head of BDO Remittance, described the signing as a pivotal moment of renewal for the two institutions.
“This is not just the beginning; this is a restart of everything we’ve been doing since 2006,” Gloria emphasized, noting BDO’s commitment to evolving its services alongside OWWA’s welfare programs.
The MOU serves as a roadmap for strengthening financial programs that provide OFWs with the tools necessary for long-term stability. By combining OWWA’s grassroots reach with BDO’s financial expertise, the partnership aims to ensure that every Filipino working abroad is empowered to build a prosperous future for themselves and their loved ones back home.
