27/08/2026
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๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐: ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐-๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐!
Recognizing the aspiration of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to provide their families with a secure and decent home, the Department of Migrant Workers Regional Office XI (DMW RO XI) successfully conducted the OFW Housing Fair 2026: โBalay Para sa Bag-ong Bayaniโ on August 26, 2026 at the 4th Floor, NCCC Mall Buhangin, Davao City, in partnership with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC), National Housing Authority (NHA), Pag-IBIG Fund, and Banco de Oro (BDO).
As articulated by LEO III Milagros M. Tan, DMW RO XI Housing Focal, the Housing Fair was conceived to bring affordable and accessible housing opportunities closer to OFWs and their families. For many OFWs, having a home means more than simply owning property. It represents a tangible reward for years of hard work and sacrifice abroad, a place where their families can feel safe, secure, and together. However, navigating housing programs, eligibility requirements, financing options, and available opportunities can be challenging.
The Housing Fair therefore brought together key government housing and financial institutions to provide relevant information, accessible services, and practical pathways toward homeownership, helping OFWs transform their dream of owning a home into a more attainable reality.
The activity formally opened with a Welcome Message delivered by OIC Assistant Regional Director/Labor Attachรฉ II Marie Rose C. Escalada, PhD, who represented DMW RO XI Regional Director Maria Carolina B. Agdamag. ARD Escalada underscored the importance of inter-agency collaboration in creating meaningful opportunities for OFWs and their families. ARD Escalada emphasized that the initiative also complements the DMW Full Cycle Reintegration Framework, Kabuhayan, Kaalaman, and Kalinga. While housing provides a foundation for family security, sustainable and holistic reintegration also requires economic opportunities, financial knowledge, capacity-building, and social protection.
This was followed by the orientation on Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) Programs and Services, delivered by Mylin M. Odron, Assistant Department Manager, Business Development Department โ Mindanao, HDMF/Pag-IBIG Fund, providing participants with information on housing programs, financing options, and available services. Margo B. Babao, 4PH Head โ Davao of the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC), then discussed the 4PH Program and SHFC housing opportunities, highlighting accessible and affordable housing options for Filipino families. Completing the orientation sessions was Engr. Louie James A. Mallapre, Project Development Officer III of DHSUD, XI who presented the DHSUD Programs and Services, further equipping participants with information on government housing initiatives and available opportunities.
After the orientation, participants and DMW XI personnel proceeded to a site visit at the Peoples Ville Condominium Project in Brgy. Riverside, Calinan District, Davao City, implemented through the collaboration of DHSUD, SHFC, and the City Government of Davao. The site visit provided participants with a firsthand look at an actual housing development, allowing them to better appreciate the possibilities of affordable homeownership and make more informed decisions about their family's future.
The Housing Fair was attended by a total of 146 participants, composed 97 females and 49 males. The sex-disaggregated participation highlights DMW RO XIโs commitment to ensuring that housing information and opportunities are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the needs of both women and men in the OFW sector. While a secure home provides an important foundation for family welfare and stability, sustainable reintegration also requires economic empowerment, financial literacy, skills development, social protection, and access to appropriate services.
Through initiatives such as the Housing Fair, DMW RO XI continues to connect OFWs and their families with government programs that can help turn their sacrifices into lasting and meaningful investments for their families and future generations.
As expressed in the activity: โSa lahat ng aking pinaghirapan, mayroon akong tahanan na maipagmamalaki at matatawag kong akin.โ
Indeed, the dream of every OFW is not simply to work abroad, but to build a better life and come home to something they can truly call their own.
DMW RO XI extends its appreciation to DHSUD, SHFC, NHA, Pag-IBIG Fund, Banco de Oro, and the City Government of Davao for their continued partnership in making housing opportunities more accessible to our modern-day heroes.
