DMW-DC-02-2026 — GUIDELINES ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ENHANCED LIVELIHOOD PROGRAM FOR OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS REINTEGRATION (ELPOR)

Pepartment ot Aligrant Morkers Blas F. Ople Building, Ortigas Avenue cor. EDSA, Mandaluyong City 1550 Republic of the Philippines

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DEPARTMENT CIRCULAR NO. 0 2

Series of 2026

PROGRAM FOR OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS REINTEGRATION (ELPOR) GUIDELINES ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ENHANCED LIVELIHOOD

ARTICLE I RATIONALE

of OFWs and their families and promote positive long-term reintegration outcomes. supporting returning Overseas Filipino Workers ("OFWs") in their transition to sustainable livelihood and dignified self-employment. Through the provision of livelihood assistance and enterprise development support, the program seeks to strengthen the economic resilience ("ELPOR") is a key intervention of the Department of Migrant Workers ("DMW") aimed at The Enhanced Livelihood Program for Overseas Filipino Workers Reintegration

full-cycle national reintegration programs for OFWs. In line with this mandate, the ELPOR is recognized as a core reintegration strategy of the Department, with DMW Regional Offices Workers Act (DMW Act), the DMW is mandated to develop and implement comprehensive serving as the primary implementing units to ensure accessibility, responsiveness, and alignment with local economic conditions. Pursuant to Section 17 of Republic Act No. 11641or the Department of Migrant

but also on the beneficiaries' capacity to manage, sustain, and grow their enterprises. This underscores the need for structured support mechanisms, clear implementation processes, maximize program impact and promote financial independence among OFW beneficiaries and their families. and coordinated roles among implementing offices and support services of key partners to The effectiveness of livelihood interventions depend not only on financial assistance

ensure the efficient, transparent, and accountable implementation of the ELPOR across all regions,these Guidelines are hereby issued. To institutionalize uniform standards and procedures including digitalization, and to

DEFINITION OF TERMS ARTICLE II

or purposes of this Circular, the following terms shall mean:

DEPARTMENT OF MIGRANT woRKPh he or she is not an immigrant, citizen, Or permanent resident or is not General Services Division Idmini. afiv6s awaltingnaturalization,recognition,oradmission,whether land-based or Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) -- refers to a Filipino who is to be engaged, is engaged, or has been engaged in a remunerated activity in a country of

Date: Febr RECEIVED By: _RICHIE M. GUEVARRA ruary 18, 2026Time: 03:10 P.M. CONTROLLED AND DISSEMINATED By: DMW General Services Division on February 18, 2026 Page 1 of 8

but has yet to leave the Philippines, regardless of status, and includes " sea-based regardless of status; excluding a Filipino engaged under a government-recognized exchange visitor program for cultural and education purposes. For purposes of this provision, a person engaged in remunerated activity covers a person who has been contracted for overseas employment Overseas Contract Workers". The term "OFW" is synonymous to "Migrant Worker".

2 OFW in distress -- refers to an OFW who, regardless of immigration status,

representation, rescue, repatriation, or any other kind of analogous intervention, including the repatriation of human remains. potential war, civil unrest, pandemic or other analogous circumstances and situations, and requires medical treatment, hospitalization, counseling, legal has a medical, psychosocial, or legal problem, or is experiencing abuse or exploitation, such as victims of illegal recruitment and/or trafficking in persons, or whose human rights are being violated, or is in a country in actual or

(3 Documented OFW -- refers to one who:

a) Possesses a valid Philippine passport and appropriate visa or permit to stay b) Has a contract of employment processed by the DMW or subsequently c) Has an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC), OFW Pass, or work permit. and work in the country of destination; verified and registered by the Migrant Workers Office (MWO); or

4 Undocumented OFW -- refers to one who:

a) Acquired a Philippine passport through fraud or misrepresentation; b) Possesses expired visas or permits to stay; d) Has a valid but inappropriate visa; or e) Is not registered with the DMW, or whose contract of employment or other C Has no travel documents whatsoever; verified and registered by the MWO. employment documents were not processed by the DMW nor subsequently

(5) Solo Parent -- as defined under the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act of semi-skilled worker category and is away from the Philippines for an 2021, refers to the spouse or any family member of an OFW, or the guardian of the child or children of an OFW, provided that the OFW belongs to the low- or uninterrupted period of at least twelve (12) months.

(6 Senior Citizen -- as defined under the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010,

returned OFWs. refers to any Filipino citizen who is a resident of the Philippines and is at least sixty (60) years old. Its application under these Guidelines shall apply to

NRCO -- refers to the National Reintegration Center for OFWs.

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(8)Regional Offices (ROs) -- refers to the Regional Offices of the DMW.

(9)ELPOR -- refers to the Enhanced Livelihood Program for OFW Reintegration.

(10) ELDAP - refers to the Expanded Livelihood Development Assistance Program.

(11) EBPBH -- refers to the Enhanced Balik Pinay, Balik Hanapbuhay Program.

(12) FAS/SBMT -- refers to the Financial Awareness Seminar / Small Business Management Training.

(13) WRSD -- refers to the Welfare and Reintegration Services Division of the DMW Regional Office.

(14) Reintegration Management System (RMS) -- refers to the official online portal of the DMW for the electronic application, tracking, monitoring, and management of ELPOR.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION ARTICLE III

Regional Offices to provide livelihood assistance to eligible returned OFWs. The ELPOR is a national reintegration program of the DMW implemented through its

The Program consists of:

(1) Expanded Livelihood Development Assistance Program (ELDAP). The the country, whether land-based or sea-based, regardless of documentation Pesos (PHP 15,000.00) to qualified returned OFWs who seek to reintegrate into ELDAP provides a one-time livelihood grant in the amount of Fifteen Thousand status.

OFWs must avail of the ELDAP within three (3) years from their latest arrival in the Philippines.

Female OFWs shall be considered under the ELDAP only if they do not qualify under the EBPBH.

(2) Enhanced Balik Pinay, Balik Hanapbuhay (EBPBH) Program. The EBPBH to reintegrate into the country. Pesos (PHP 15,000.00) to qualified distressed returned female OFWs who seek Program provides a one-time livelihood grant in the amount of Fifteen Thousand

trafficking, illegal recruitment, investment scams, other fraudulent deployment or employment schemes, or victims of abuse or gender based violence. Eligible beneficiaries include returned female OFWs who are victims of human

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OFWs must avail of the EBPBH Program within three (3) years from his/her Iatest arrival in the Philippines.

(3) Kalinga Reintegration Support to EBPBH and qualified ELDAP interventions as part of continuing reintegration support services for distressed beneficiaries, the program includes the facilitation of appropriate psychosocial returned female OFWs. beneficiaries. In addition to the one-time livelihood grant for EBPBH

Similarly, eligible ELDAP beneficiaries who are, but are not limited to, senior Indigenous Peoples (IP) groups, or are part of the LGBTQIA+ community shall also be provided with appropriate psychosocial services as part of continuing reintegration support services. citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities (PWDs), or who belong to

ARTICLE IV PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

The Program Objectives are as follows:

(1) Provide livelihood assistance to eligible OFWs:

(2) Facilitate relevant training and capacity-building interventions to promote livelihood and enterprise development;

(3) Promote sustainable income generation and economic self-sufficiency; and

(4) Foster strategic partnerships with government agencies, private sector entities, leverage psychosocial, technical, financial, and/or market support services for beneficiaries. civil society institutions, academic institutions, and other relevant stakeholders to

ARTICLE V PROGRAM COMPONENTS

(1) Livelihood Assistance. Livelihood assistance shall be provided as business start-up or additional seed capital in the following amounts:

b) EBPBH -- Fifteen Thousand Pesos (PHP 15,000.00) a) ELDAP -- Fifteen Thousand Pesos (PHP 15,000.00)

The number of beneficiaries shall be determined based on the approved annual budget and work and financial plan. The NRCO shall allocate beneficiary slots to the Regional Offices based on demand and available budget.

(2) Skills Training and Business Readiness Requirement. Beneficiaries shall be activities prior to the release of the livelihood assistance: required to complete the following mandatory trainings and business readiness

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c) Preparation and approval of a Business Model Canvas (BMC) b) Skills training, a) FAS/SBMT; relevant to the proposed livelihood, to be approved by the Chief of the mentoring/coaching program facilitated by the DMW ROs or partner WRSD. institutions; and entrepreneurship development, or business

DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES ARTICLE VI

(1) Documentary Requirements. Applicants shall submit the following through the Reintegration Management System (RMS):

a) Duly accomplished Forms (attached as Annexes): ELPOR Form C -- Commitment Form ELPOR Form A -- Application Form ELPOR Form B1 - Listahan ng mga Panimulang Kagamitan at ELPOR Form B -- Business Model Canvas ELPOR Form A2 -- OFW Statement Form Produkto

b) Copy of Passport (Bio Page - pages 2 and 3) or Travel Document

c) Proof of Latest Arrival in the Philippines (any one of the following): 0 Copy of e-Travel Arrival Registration. Copy of arrival stamp; Copy of boarding pass; or

d) FAS-SBMT Training Certificate

e) Certificate of completion of relevant skills training, entrepreneurship development, or business mentoring/coaching program.

f) In cases where the beneficiaries are OFW solo parents, the requirements government unit (LGU) or other authorized agency. shall include the documents specified in items A and B above, in addition to a Solo Parent Identification Card issued by the concerned local

(2) Mode of Application and Processing

a) Application Submission. Applicants shall file their applications exclusively through the RMS. Applicants who require assistance in completing or submitting their applications may personally bring their documentary requirements to the nearest DMW RO, where designated personnel shall assist in uploading the documents and facilitating the application through the RMS

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b) Evaluation of Application. Applications shall be evaluated by the confirmation of training attendance, or completion of documentary requirements, when deemed necessary by the RO. ELPOR Focal Person and reviewed by the Chief of the WRSD. Applicants may be required to appear in person for validation,

c) Process Cycle Time. The review, processing, evaluation and approval or complete documentary requirements. disapproval shall not exceed seven (7) working days from receipt of

d) Approval of qualified applicants under the ELPOR shall be vested in the Regional Director.

e) Applicants shall be notified of the approval or disapproval of their may likewise check the status of their applications through the RMS. applications through email, text message, or telephone call. Applicants

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT, MONITORING, EVALUATION, AND REPORTING ARTICLE VI

(1) Program Management and Operationalization. The NRCO shall serve as the responsible for program implementation, operational execution, and frontline Program Manager for the implementation of ELPOR. As such, it shall exercise full policy leadership, institutional oversight, systems governance, technical supervision, and program accountability. Accordingly, the ROs shall be service delivery, consistent with policies, standards, and guidelines.

The NRCO shall formulate and enforce program policies, prescribe eligibility standards and operating procedures, allocate funds, ensure uniform implementation, conduct compliance audits and validation reviews, issue directives and corrective actions, and consolidate performance, financial, and impact reports for management and oversight purposes.

(2) Monitoring. The DMW ROs shall conduct regular output-oriented monitoring of each OFW livelihood project shall be systematically recorded and encoded in the assistance, and program results, in accordance with the standards and RMS or other monitoring system as may be required by the NRCO. OFW livelihood projects to assess beneficiary compliance, proper utilization of monitoring protocols prescribed by the NRCO. The results of the monitoring for

review of documentary requirements, post-release tracking, verification of fund and livelihood utilization, preparation of monitoring reports, and the formulation of corrective action, as may be necessary. Monitoring activities shall include, but shall not be limited to field validation,

monitoring activities, and may conduct independent validation, spot audits, The NRCO shall exercise central oversight and quality assurance over regional

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performance reviews, and compliance assessments to ensure integrity, transparency, and effectiveness of program implementation.

(3) Reporting and Accountability. The ROs shall submit timely, complete, and through the RMs to ensure data consistency, accuracy, and ease of accurate monthly accomplishment reports, financial utilization reports, and compliance reports to the NRCO using prescribed formats and digital platforms compliant with COA guidelines. Such reports shall be generated and/or validated consolidation.

The NRCO shall consolidate reports for submission to the DMW Secretary, oversight agencies, and other authorized institutions.

(4) Data Management. The Electronic and Reintegration Services Division (ERSD) the official system of record for all program data. shall maintain and administer the centralized electronic database and RMS as

information security standards. The ERSD shall ensure data accuracy, integrity, system availability, user access controls, and compliance with applicable data privacy and government

All ROs shall encode, update, and maintain program data strictly within the RMS Each RO shall designate an RMS Focal Person for this purpose. and shall comply with prescribed data standards and reporting requirements.

(5) Data Privacy and Protection. All concerned offices and personnel shall ensure the privacy, security, and proper handling of all information, including but not limited to confidential, privileged, personal, and sensitive information accessed ELPOR, and shall store, use, process, and dispose of such information in accordance with applicable data privacy laws and regulations. or received in connection with the operationalization and implementation of the

(6) Program Evaluation and Continuous Improvement. The NRCO shall conduct periodic, evidence-based, and results-oriented program evaluations to assess beneficiary outcomes, and policy relevance. program effectiveness, operational efficiency, financial integrity, sustainability,

technical rigor in evaluation activities. The NRCO may engage independent evaluators, partner agencies and/or academic institutions, when necessary, to ensure objectivity, transparency, and

All ROs shall fully support and cooperate in the conduct of program evaluations. Such support shall include, but not be limited to, timely submission of accurate data and reports, provision of access to records, systems, beneficiaries, and project sites, facilitation of field validation and interviews, designation of focal actions, as may be directed by the NRCO persons, and implementation of evaluation recommendations and corrective

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ARTICLE VI

FUNDS

General Appropriations Act and disbursed in accordance with applicable budgeting. accounting, and auditing laws and regulations. Program funds for the financial livelihood assistance shall be sourced from the

EFFECTIVITY ARTICLE IX

issuances inconsistent herewith. This Department Circular shall take effect immediately and supersedes all previous

HANS LEO J. CACDAC Secretary

Date: FEB 1 2 2026

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ANNEX A

ENHANCED LIVELIHOOD PROGRAM FOR OFW REINTEGRATION (ELPOR) DEPARTMENT OF MIGRANT WORKERS Republic of the Philippines Regional Office APPLICATION FORM ID picture with white PICTURE he last 6months background (2X2) aken within

EDAE

GABAY SA PAGSAGOT: Kumpletuhing sagutan ang lahat ng mga hinihinging impormasyon gamit ang black ball-point pen.Siguraduhin naiintindihan at DATEFILE malinaw ang pagkakasulat DATOS TUNGKOL SA OFW e ntrol N SCHEDULED BY

PANGALAN (SURNAME/APELYIDO (NAME/PANGALAN) (MIDDLE NAME) SUFFIX) COMPLETE ADDRESS/ KUMPLETONG TIRAHAN: HOUSE NUMBER STREET BARANGAY

DATOS TUNGKOLSA OFW EMPLOYMENT BIRTHDATE EDAD JOBSITE /BANSANG PINAGTATRABAHUHAN KASARIAN d MALEFEMALE CITY/MUNICIPALITY Vyy CIVIL STATUS MARRIED SEPARATED SINGLE WIDOWED PERSON WITH DISABILITY SENIOR CITIZEN SOLO PARENT LGBTQIA INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OTHER DATA POSITION/URI NG TRABAHO: ROVINC CONTACT INFORMATION Cellphone Number 1 Cellphone Numbe Email Address/Active FB Accou enge

. DATOs TungKOL SA NeGoSYO BUSINESS SITE O KUMPLETONG LOKASYON NG NEGOSYO: MERON BANG EXISTING BUSINESS O LATEST DATE OF ARRIVALIN THE PHILIPPINES: KASALUKUYANG NEGOSYO: V.MGA PAGSASANAY SA NEGOSYO LATEST DATE OF DEPARTURE IN THE PHILIPPINES: TYPE OF BUSINESS O URI NG NEGOSYO NA NAIS UMPISAHAN [] NO LATEST CONTRACT DURATION: YES Ple ase specity.

KIND OF TRAINING/URI NG PAGSASANAY FAS Is Traininee VENUE O LUGAR ISSUED BY/NAG BIGAY NG PAGSASANAY DATE/PETSA

OCIIM SUBMITTED (SIGNATURE OVER COMPLETE NAME OF THE APPLICANT) KUMPLETONG PANGALAN AT LAGDA NG APLIKANTE TO BE ACCOMPLISHED BY DMW RO STAFE Petsa

DULY FILLED UP FORMS IIPASSPORT COPY obe IV T CERTIFICATE

ELPORFormA2-OFW Statement Forr ELPORFOrm B ELPORForMA DOAFOR Business Model Canva Apolication. udor I.PROOF OF ARRIVALIN THE PHILIPPINESany of the follow Copy of Passport(Bio Page-pages2and3 opy of amastam w.of Travel Docum 1co0y0f T V. OTHER REQUIREMENTS FAS-SBMT ENTORIN AINING/EDT/BUSINESS

ELPOR Form C-Commitment Form RECEIVED BY: DATE: AVAILMENT VERIFICATION ()With previou men YEsNO DATABASE ENCODING DATE ENCODED/UPDATED: RMS LOCALDATABASE

Amount of Assistance: Prograr BY DATE EVALUATED BY: DATE: BY

RECOMMENDING APPROVAL APPROVED BY

Position/Division Regional Directol DATE DATE

DMW ELPOR FORM A2

DEPARTMENT OF MIGRANT WORKERS Regional Office -- Republic of the Philippines

PROGRAM AVAIL

Expanded Livelihood Development Assistance Program (ELDAP) Enhanced Balik Pinay! Balik Hanapbuhay! (EBPBH)

PANGALAN (APELYIDO, PANGALAN, GITNANG PANGALAN) OFW STATEMENT FORM

JOBSITE/BANSANG PINAGTRABAHUHAN: JOB POSITION/URI NG TRABAHO

LATEST DATE OF DEPARTURE IN PHILIPPINES (MM/DD/YYYY): Reason for Return to the Philippines (Latest Return) Dahilan ng Huling Pagbalik sa Pilipinas

LATEST DATE OF ARRIVAL IN THE PHILIPPINES (MM/DD/YYYY):

BRIEF STATEMENT (Salaysay o Detalye kung ano ang dahilan ng balik sa Pilipinas)

SIGNATURE OVER PRINTED NAME /DATE

PASSPORT NUMBER

BUSINESS CANVAS ELPOR FORM B-Business Model Canvas

MARKETING BUSINESS IDEA FINANCE

2.1.CUSTOMER 4.1 START UP COST

2.2.PWESTO O LUGAR 4.2.PAGKUKUHANAN NG PUHUNAN

3.1.PROSESO

4*++ 2.3.PROMOTIONS 4.3.BUDGET

3.2.RESOURCES

2.4.PRESYO 3.3.KEY PARTNERS 4.4.KITA

SALE BUSINESS OPERATIONS H

PANGALAN: LAGDA:

DMW ELPOR FORM B1

DEPARTMENT OF MIGRANT WORKERS Regional Office - Republic of the Philippines

LISTAHAN NG PANIMULANG KAGAMITAN AT PRODUKTO

MGA SUPPLY SA LOOB NG ISANG BUWAN AT MGA KAGAMITAN

PANGALAN NG SUPPLIER ITEMPRODUKTONG BIBILHIN MAGKANO BAWAT ITEM (orihinal na presyo) iang item/produktong BILANG tinuha K ABUUANG HALAGA NG BAWAT ITEM PRODUKTO

KAGAMITAN

KABUUANG HALAGA

SIGNATURE OVER PRINTED NAME DATE

DEPARTMENT OF MIGRANT WORKERS Regional Office - Republic of the Philippines DMW ELPORFORMC

COMMITMENT

of legal age, (Complete Name of Applicant)

with principal address at

and undertake: do hereby state

1. That I am an eligible beneficiary of the cash livelihood development assistance for reintegration under the ELPOR - Enhanced Balik Pinay! Balik Hanapbuhay Program / Expanded Livelihood Development Assistance Program" funded by Department of Migrant Workers;

2. That the livelihood development assistance that I will receive from the DMW will be used for the intended purpose of putting-up a small business only

3. That, I will abide with the program guidelines in setting up my business; and

4. That, I will allow the monitoring and evaluation of the progress of my business operations, and I will submit monthly a progress report and regional office email address] pictures on the status of my business operation to DMW through [Insert

SIGNATURE OVER PRINTED NAME DATE

PASSPORT NUMBER