RECOGNIZING overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as indispensable contributors to the Philippine economy, the Department of Tourism (DoT) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) formally launched the Balik Bayani sa Turismo program to boost opportunities for modern day heroes and their families.

Balik Bayani sa Turismo supported the national government's reintegration program for OFWs.

The memorandum of understanding institutionalized the commitments of both agencies to create, institute and establish livelihood, entrepreneurship, savings, investments and financial literacy opportunities for OFWs and their families through the various tourism training programs of the DoT and the reintegration programs of the DMW through the National Reintegration Center for Overseas Filipino Workers.

Tourism chief Christina Garcia Frasco stressed that the DoT's focus on human capital development was also fueled by the department's desire to enhance the overall tourism experience in the country.

For his part, DMW Officer in Charge Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac gave his commitment to the DoT for this second partnership with the department.

Furthermore, through the program, OFWs with senior positions and wide experience would have brought back with them a range of knowledge and experience that could be tapped for engagement as resource persons or trainers in the industry through the Teach It Forward program.

Likewise, it aimed to provide returning OFWs with an alternative source of livelihood if they chose to stay in the Philippines for work or for venturing into tourism-related activities or businesses.

The program would formally roll out in May.