More than an MOU: Public-private partnership expands support for OFWs

MANILA, Philippines — The contributions of more than 2 million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) don’t begin and end with remittances. In return to their heroism, BDO Unibank and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) have been working together to help them stay protected, connected and financially secure while working far from home.

The long-standing partnership was formalized once again through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed recently at the OWWA Building in Pasay City.

The collaboration reflects decades of joint efforts to support OFWs and their families, while making services responsive to the evolving needs of Filipino migrant workers.

Accessible services for OFWs

OWWA says that one of the immediate priorities is improving access to membership—an essential step for OFWs to fully benefit from government programs.

“Ang OWWA membership renewal ay voluntary. Ibig sabihin, akala ng iba na once an OFW, ay OWWA member na agad. Ang katotohanan ay kailangang mag-renew ang ating mga OFW ng OWWA membership every two years,” OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan said.

Despite the importance of membership, access remains a challenge for many workers abroad.

“Hindi na ganoon kadali na pumunta sa mga opisina ng OWWA sa abroad,” Caunan added, noting that physical access can be limited depending on location and working conditions.

This is where the partnership with BDO becomes especially relevant.

“Ini-expect natin na makakatuwang natin ang BDO… to make OWWA renewal much easier for OFWs. Sa simpleng paggamit ng BDO Pay or any BDO facilities, napakadali na lang maging OWWA member.”

OWWA also emphasized why membership matters in the first place.

“Hindi ka lang covered kapag may nangyari sa iyo… mayroon pang plano ang OWWA sa iyong pagbabalik—trabaho, negosyo, edukasyon at tulong sa kalusugan. Huwag rin nating kakalimutan ang repatriation at reintegration.”

Bridging systems through digital access

From BDO’s perspective, the partnership utilizes its infrastructure and digital platforms to support these government-led initiatives at scale.

Officials from OWWA and BDO formalize their partnership through a ceremonial signing, marking a joint effort to expand digital access and financial services for overseas Filipinos.

“Hopefully, through our digital products and channels, we will be able to help our OFWs pay their OWWA membership,” BDO SVP and head of remittance Genie Gloria expressed.

The bank is currently integrating OWWA-related payments into its systems.

“We are in the process of putting that into BDO Pay and the bills payment system. With our network of almost 2,000 branches across the Philippines, and some offices abroad, we will be able to collect these fees both here and overseas,” Gloria said, explaining that digital banking has become a key enabler.

“It will be very easy for all OFWs who are already existing members or clients of our online banking. Madali na at walang bayad ‘yun.”

And at BDO, accessibility goes beyond just payment channels.

“It is supported by 24/7 operations and customer service. Kung may problema, may natatawagan, may nakakausap. Kung nandito naman sila sa Pilipinas, pumunta lang sa anumang BDO branch… mayroong tutulong sa inyo,” Gloria furthered.

Financial independence for OFWs

Beyond access and convenience, the partnership also reinforces a shared goal: helping OFWs take greater control of their finances.

“Tinuturuan po namin ang mga overseas Filipinos na magkaroon ng personal cash management,” the Gloria said.

Through digital platforms, OFWs can directly manage their funds, send money and pay for expenses without additional fees.

“You are now in control of your own money because it’s in your account. You can start sending it for free.”

This shift has real-life implications for families separated by distance.

“Araw-araw bago pumunta sa eskuwela, puwede na siyang magbigay ng baon sa anak niya kahit nasa Italy siya or nasa Spain siya—walang bayad,” Gloria shared, adding that this financial visibility adds a layer of security.

“Nakikita nila kung ano ang nangyayari sa account nila kahit nasa abroad sila. Kung may emergency ang pamilya nila, handa sila.”

Shared role in nation-building

As BDO marks its 50th year, the bank sees partnerships like this as essential to expanding its reach and impact.

“We cannot reach all the OFWs. We need a partner to be able to do that,” Gloria said. “We have the products and services, but we need a government partner like OWWA.”

Through the years, this collaboration has extended beyond remittances into financial literacy, insurance and long-term planning.

“The COVID pandemic made it easier for us to teach the value of savings and insurance,” Gloria said, explaining that digital tools are shaping the next phase of engagement.

“We’re building more insurance and more digital accessibility sa aming services,” she said, pointing to rewards systems and flexible financial tools that can benefit OFWs and their families.

More than a collaboration

Leaders and representatives from OWWA and BDO pose following the signing ceremony, highlighting a strengthened collaboration to deliver a more accessible support for overseas Filipinos and their families.

The BDO-OWWA collaboration reflects a broader reality: that supporting OFWs requires more than isolated efforts.

It demonstrates how public and private institutions can work together to address both immediate needs and long-term goals, from enabling easier access to membership to expanding financial tools and literacy.

OWWA will continue to strengthen its programs—from pre-departure orientation to reintegration—while BDO will continue to expand its digital and financial ecosystem.

This collaboration stands as a model of how cross-sector partnerships can create more meaningful, accessible support systems for Filipinos working abroad.

Editor's Note: This #Brandspace story is created with BDO. It is produced by the Advertising Content Team that is independent of our Editorial newsroom.