DTI rolls out P2-B loan facility for returning OFWs

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through its financing arm Small Business Corp., has rolled out its P2-billion loan facility for start-up and multi-purpose loans for returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

In an advisory, the DTI said it has already awarded an initial P2.9 million to 11 borrowers, including Aqualirio Drinking Water Refilling Station, Zia Pharmacia Pharmacy, and Events Management Service Velaro by Syd Bilaro.

“Sa ating mga OFW (To our OFWs), please take advantage of this opportunity. The DTI is here to help you—as best as we can, and as aggressively as we can,” DTI Secretary Cristina Roque said in a statement.

“Through a whole-of-government approach, we want to ensure our OFWs that when you come home, you are supported. You come home to opportunities, programs, and a government ready to help you move forward,” she added.

Under the OFW Negosyo Fund, returning OFWs with at least one year of experience in running a business may borrow from P30,000 up to P20 million, depending on eligibility and financing needs.

These loans may be availed with interest-free periods of zero, six, or 12 months, at the option of the borrower.

The DTI said no collateral will be required for loans of up to P3 million for new borrowers, and up to P5 million for existing ones, with repayment terms of up to five years.

OFWs may apply through the DTI-SBCorp Money application via the web platform app.sbcorp.ph or through the website sbcorp.gov.ph.

According to the DTI, the loan facility is part of the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to empower “modern-day heroes.”

Marcos in November 2025 committed continued improvement of protection and services of OFWs.

The DTI said OFWs affected by the Middle East crisis can also avail of the loan program.

There were an additional 27 Filipinos who were repatriated from the Middle East earlier this week, amid the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran.—MCG, GMA News