‘Tulong Puso’ program helps ex-OFWs build thriving business in Bantayan

Local

WHAT started as a leap of faith for a small group of former overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) has turned into a thriving business, raking in millions of pesos in sales.

The Bantayan North OFW Association (BANOA), once met with skepticism from some of its own members, has grown into one of the biggest success stories of the government’s “Tulong Puso” program.

It started as a simple venture selling rice, agricultural supplies, and veterinary products in 2021 has since become a vital business serving inland farming communities in Bantayan Island.

Located in Barangay Atop-atop, about 11 kilometers from the Bantayan town center, BANOA saw an opportunity to supply essential goods to a community that had limited access to commercial areas.

The association’s president, Ligaya Batiancila, recalled that choosing the right products was a crucial decision, as they wanted to ensure their business would meet the daily needs of local farmers and livestock raisers.

A major turning point came in 2022 when BANOA secured a P1 million grant from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration-Central Visayas (OWWA-7) through the “Tulong Puso” program.

The financial assistance was released in two phases, including an initial P200,000 in 2022, followed by P500,000 in 2024.

These funds allowed the group to expand operations, leading to a reported P14 million in total sales in 2024 alone.

With daily revenues exceeding P28,000, the association now sees monthly sales surpassing P1 million.

Beyond financial success, BANOA has also ensured that its members benefit directly from their collective efforts.

Members received dividend refunds ranging from P10,000 to P30,000, based on their shares and the cooperative’s earnings.

OWWA-7 Overseas Workers Welfare Officer Christina Marie Vistal emphasized that programs like “Tulong Puso” are part of the agency’s broader initiative to support not just OFWs but also their families back home.

The program, launched during the pandemic, was designed to provide livelihood assistance to returning OFWs seeking economic stability.

Grants under “Tulong Puso” can reach up to P1 million, depending on the size and viability of a group’s business proposal.

To qualify, organizations must have at least 15 members, be registered with a government agency such as the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) or the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), and provide a 20 percent capital build-up or a property as a counterpart contribution.

In 2024, the program released nearly P10 million to assist 29 OFW organizations in Central Visayas. The region now has 198 registered OFW groups with a combined membership.(MyTVCebu)