The Sub-Committee on Migration and Development (SCMD) of the Cagayan Valley Social Development Committee, in collaboration with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), conducted the 2025 Migration and Development Forum on 15 December 2025 at the Go Hotels Plus in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan. The forum aims to strengthen the economic and financial literacy of Overseas Filipino
Workers (OFWs) and returning migrant workers in the region.
Ms. Maria Elena A. Madriaga of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas discussed on debt management, the basics of investing, and scam and fraud prevention. Landbank Bank of the Philippines Assistant Vice President Michael R. Dela Cruz discussed the Unit Investment Trust Fund facilities for OFWs. Mr. Reyson Joseph T. Robles of the Pag-IBIG Fund presented the agencyβs savings and investment programs for OFWs. Ms. Mona Lisa Valle of the Department of Trade and Industry presented the strategies on starting and sustaining a small business. Mr. Jeffson B. Carbonel of the Department of Science and Technology presented the i-Forward program, which promotes innovations for Filipinos working abroad. Lastly, Mr. George B. Lorenzana of the PhilHealth discussed the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program, which offers up to PHP20,000 worth of health services, including free medicines, check-ups and lab tests, and cancer screening.
The forum also featured successful OFWs, highlighting practical examples of sustainable reintegration. Engr. Edison Rasalan, a 2025 Model OFW Family of the Year Regional Winner, shared his familyβs journey toward financial stability and Mr. Reymon Balinoyos narrated his reintegration as a teacher with the Department of Education.
The forum, now in its third year, continues to serve as a platform for empowering OFWs and their families through relevant and timely interventions.