IFWD PH Cagayan Valley

29/07/2025

𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐃: 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟐 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐃𝐌𝐖 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟐 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐢𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬' 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

As part of the 30th National Migrant Workers' Day celebration, the Department of Science and Technology Region 2 (DOST 02), represented by Engr. Jude Michael Magora, joined the Department of Migrant Workers Regional Office 2 (DMW RO2) in a significant awarding ceremony held on June 11, 2025 at Robinsons Events Place, Tuguegarao City.

The event, themed “OFW@30: Bayan, Bayani, Bayanihan,” recognized the vital contributions of Overseas Filipino Workers by awarding over Php9.7 million in livelihood and financial assistance to 202 OFW beneficiaries from the Province of Cagayan.

Engr. Magora represented DOST Region 2 to show full support for DMW’s reintegration initiatives and to reaffirm the agency’s commitment in empowering OFWs through technology-based entrepreneurship programs, particularly the iFWD PH (Innovations for Filipinos Working Distantly from the Philippines) Program.
Key DMW officials from the national and regional offices graced the awarding ceremony, including:

Asec. Jerome A. Alcantara, Assistant Secretary for Licensing and Adjudication
Mr. Herminigildo L. Daytoc, Labor Attaché for Regional Operations
Atty. Falconi V. Millar, Jr., DMW-NCR Regional Director
RD Rogelio T. Benitez, DMW Region 2
In their messages, officials honored the enduring sacrifices of OFWs and underscored their role as modern-day heroes. Asec. Alcantara emphasized that the DMW is a “home for OFWs” and reaffirmed the government’s mission to uplift their lives through accessible, meaningful programs.

During the program, partner agencies—including DOST—were recognized for their unwavering support to DMW’s initiatives in promoting the rights, welfare, and reintegration of OFWs.

DOST Region 2 stands in solidarity with DMW and all government partners in championing the welfare of our migrant workers through science, technology, and innovation.

29/07/2025

𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐃: 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝟐 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐅𝐖𝐃 𝐏𝐇 𝐭𝐨 𝐎𝐅𝐖𝐬 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧

As part of its continuing partnership with OWWA, the Department of Science and Technology Region 2 (DOST 2) presented the Innovations for Filipinos Working Distantly from the Philippines (iFWD PH) Program during the Enhanced Entrepreneurial Development Training (EEDT) for OFW-EDLP applicants from the Province of Cagayan, held today at the DTI Negosyo Center, Carig, Tuguegarao City.

A total of 40 participants—aspiring and existing entrepreneurs—joined the training aimed at equipping them with foundational knowledge in business development and linking them to essential government support services.
The event was graced by Regional Director Virsie B. Tamayao, who delivered a message of support, alongside Ms. Alma Y. Gammad, Supervising Administrative Officer. Facilitation was led by Family Welfare Officers Danilo Balisi and Leo Velasco Jr.

Participants actively engaged in discussions on business development strategies, financing opportunities, and government programs tailored to support OFW reintegration and enterprise growth.

DOST Region 2’s participation underscores its commitment to empowering OFWs through science, technology, and innovation-based entrepreneurship.

Special thanks to DTI Region 2 for their continued support in hosting and contributing resources to the success of this joint initiative.

29/07/2025

𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐃: 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐅𝐖𝐃 𝐏𝐇 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝟔𝟒 𝐄𝐃𝐋𝐏 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬

The Enhanced Entrepreneurial Development Training (EEDT) held on February 21, 2025 at the DTI Negosyo Center empowered 64 applicants under the Entrepreneurial Development and Loan Program (EDLP) by providing vital knowledge on business development, financial literacy, and access to government support programs.

Representing the Department of Science and Technology Region 2, Mr. Jeffson B. Carbonell, iFWD PH Alternate Focal Person, shared DOST’s various programs and services tailored for OFWs and aspiring entrepreneurs. He highlighted the iFWD PH Program (Innovations for Filipinos Working Distantly from the Philippines) as a comprehensive reintegration initiative supporting OFWs in launching innovation-driven, technology-based businesses.

Regional Director Virsie B. Tamayao opened the program with an empowering message, urging OFWs and their families to embrace entrepreneurship and utilize government resources to build sustainable livelihoods.

Through interactive discussions and networking sessions, participants gained practical tools and connections to support their journey toward successful enterprise development.

29/07/2025

𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐃: 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟐 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝟑𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐢𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬' 𝐃𝐚𝐲

In celebration of the 30th National Migrant Workers Day, the Department of Science and Technology Region 2 (DOST 02), through iFWD PH Alternate Focal Person Mr. Jeffson B. Carbonell, proudly joined the grand regional celebration held last June 13, 2025 at SM City Tuguegarao.

With the theme “Migranteng Manggagawang Pinoy: Haligi ng Pamilya at Bansa,” the event—spearheaded by OWWA RWO2—gathered 731 participants composed of OFWs, their families, and government partners, in honor of the enduring strength, sacrifice, and contribution of our modern-day heroes.

The day was filled with tributes, cultural showcases, and meaningful engagements. Mr. Carbonell represented DOST 02 and reaffirmed the agency’s support to OFW reintegration through the Innovations for Filipinos Working Distantly from the Philippines (iFWD PH) Program—DOST’s flagship initiative that helps returning OFWs transition into tech-based entrepreneurs.

The event featured messages from OWWA and DMW regional leaders, the launch of Nueva Vizcaya’s OFW Welfare Center, institutional booths offering on-site services, and exciting activities including “Tama o Mali” and “The Voice: OFW Edition.”

DOST 02 extends its gratitude to OWWA, DMW, and all partner agencies for championing OFWs and for recognizing the value of science, technology, and innovation in empowering migrant workers and their families.

Mabuhay ang ating mga migranteng manggagawang Pilipino!

13/07/2025

13/07/2025

Ang programa ng Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 02 na Innovations for Filipinos Working Distantly from the Philippines (iFWD PH) ay bukas na para tumanggap ng aplikasyon!
Ang programa ay dinisenyo upang matulungan ang mga Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) na magtatag ng mga negosyong nakabase sa teknolohiya at maging mahalagang bahagi ng Agham at Teknolohiya (S&T) sa rehiyon.
𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗼-𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗼 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗴𝗮 𝗺𝗮𝗮𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗮𝗴-𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆?
• Mga OFW na bumalik sa Pilipinas sa loob ng nakaraang 3 taon at walang kasalukuyang kontrata sa ibang bansa.
• Mga OFW na may aktibong kontrata sa ibang bansa ngunit maaaring ipagpatuloy ng miyembro ng pamilya ang pagsasanay at pamamahala ng negosyo.
• Kung hindi makakadalo ang OFW o kailangang bumalik sa ibang bansa para magtrabaho, maaaring ipagpatuloy ng pamilya ang pagsasanay.

Huwag palampasin ang pagkakataong ito na maging bahagi sa pagpapalago ng Agham at Teknolohiya sa Cagayan Valley!
Kung ikaw o may kakilala kang interesadong sumali sa iFWD PH Program, kumpletuhin ang aplikasyon sa pamamagitan ng pag-fill out ng iFWD PH Application and Assessment Form https://forms.office.com/r/GdP2AnEkrC

For inquiries or further questions, email us at:
𝑠𝑒𝑡𝑢𝑝@𝑟𝑜2.𝑑𝑜𝑠𝑡.𝑔𝑜𝑣.𝑝ℎ 𝑜𝑟 𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑑𝑠@𝑟𝑜2.𝑑𝑜𝑠𝑡.𝑔𝑜𝑣.𝑝ℎ
Together, let’s move forward with DOST’s iFWD PH
Program!

22/05/2025

𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐃: 𝐢𝐅𝐖𝐃 𝐏𝐇 𝐆𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐔𝐩: 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟐 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐎𝐅𝐖 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐬

Focal persons from DOST Region 2 actively participated in the three-day Capacity Development Program on Technology-Based Business Ideation and Development held last May 20–22, 2025, marking another milestone in the full-scale implementation of the Innovations for Filipinos Working Distantly from the Philippines (iFWD PH) Program.

Organized in partnership with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Strategic and Collaborative Alliance for Leveraging Ecosystem in NCR (SCALE NCR), and the Entrepinoy Volunteers Foundation Inc. (EVFI), the training equipped regional implementers—including DOST and DMW personnel nationwide—with essential skills and tools to mentor OFWs in starting and scaling their tech-based enterprises.

Participants engaged in intensive sessions on values and entrepreneurship, design thinking, customer discovery, environmental scanning, and value proposition canvas, facilitated by SCALE NCR’s network of Technology Business Incubators. EVFI business experts also delivered advanced modules on the business model canvas, costing and pricing, supply and value chain management, operations and organization management, business law and taxation, and marketing and commerce.

Like the iFWD PH beneficiaries they will soon assist, the participants developed their own business and financial plans, reinforcing the hands-on learning approach of the program.

With this training, DOST Region 2 reaffirms its commitment to empower OFWs and their families through innovation, enterprise development, and reintegration support—fueling their journey toward inclusive and sustainable technopreneurship.

14/03/2025

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬: 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐨 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐫𝐬’ 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞

In a collaborative effort to support seafarers’ families and returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 02, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Region 02, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 02, and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of San Mateo, led by Mayor Atty. Gregorio Alipio Pua, have partnered to assist the San Mateo Seafarers Family Circle Marketing Cooperative.

The initiative explores the cooperative’s potential as a beneficiary of DOST’s iFWD PH program, which helps returning OFWs establish technology-driven enterprises.

Furthermore, DOST 02 Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations Services (TOS), Dr. Laila A. Taguinod, introduced the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) to enhance business productivity. Additionally, OWWA 02 shared details about the Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Pag-unlad ng Samahang OFWs (Tulong PUSO) program, which provides financial grants for OFW livelihood projects. Meanwhile, DTI Region 02 presented its business concept training along with other capacity-building programs, equipping the cooperative with essential knowledge in entrepreneurship, marketing, and financial management.

Jeffson Carbonell, an iFWD PH staff member, explained the details of the program, addressing concerns about the training process, its requirements, and its duration. His clarification provided cooperative members with a clearer understanding of the program’s structure and the necessary steps to qualify for assistance.

Moreover, Mayor Pua emphasized the importance of responsible budget management, urging cooperative members to fully engage with the agencies and maximize the resources provided. “We are not just doing this for ourselves but for the community,” he stated.

This multi-agency collaboration aims to provide the cooperative with essential funding, technology, and business development support, fostering economic stability and long-term growth. By working together, these agencies create opportunities for seafarers’ families and returning OFWs to achieve self-sustaining livelihoods, thereby strengthening both their households and the broader San Mateo community.