By  Irish Joy I. Adrales

Tacloban City, Leyte – June 11, 2026 – The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Region VIII Extension Office proudly joined the celebration of the Department of Migrant Workers’ (DMW) National Reintegration Network (NRN), Migrant Workers’ Month, and Kalayaan Day Celebration 2026 held at the HRDC Gymnasium of Leyte Normal University, Tacloban City. This year’s celebration carried the theme, “Bayan, Bayani, Bayanihan Para sa Kalayaan, Kinabukasan at Kasaysayan,” highlighting the invaluable contributions of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to nation-building and the collective efforts of government and communities in ensuring their successful reintegration.

The activity served as a comprehensive one-stop-shop service fair designed to provide immediate, accessible, and relevant assistance to repatriated OFWs and their families. Through the participation of various national government agencies, local government units, private partners, and civil society organizations, the event offered a wide range of services including livelihood assistance, employment facilitation, entrepreneurship development, skills training, psychosocial support, financial literacy programs, and other reintegration initiatives aimed at helping OFWs successfully transition back into their communities.

Demonstrating the government’s whole-of-nation approach in supporting migrant workers, representatives from various agencies gathered to deliver services, information, and messages of solidarity to OFWs and their families. The event underscored the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in creating sustainable opportunities that empower returning migrant workers to rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully to local economic development.

A highlight of the celebration was the presence of Hon. Philip Jude A. Acidre, Representative of TINGOG Party-list, who served as the keynote speaker. In his message, Congressman Acidre recognized the sacrifices, resilience, and invaluable contributions of OFWs to the country’s economic growth and development. He emphasized that the government remains committed to ensuring that returning migrant workers are provided with meaningful opportunities for livelihood, employment, entrepreneurship, and community participation.

Congressman Acidre further encouraged OFWs to take advantage of the various government programs available to them, particularly those that promote economic empowerment and sustainable income generation. He stressed that successful reintegration goes beyond financial assistance—it involves providing returning migrant workers with long-term opportunities that enable them to become productive members of their communities and active contributors to local development.

As one of the government agencies actively supporting OFW reintegration, the Cooperative Development Authority continues to implement programs and initiatives that promote economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and sustainable livelihood opportunities through the cooperative sector. CDA recognizes cooperatives as vital partners in creating resilient communities and providing viable economic opportunities for returning migrant workers and their families.

To further showcase the role of cooperatives in community development and livelihood generation, several cooperative exhibitors participated in the activity, namely:

• Perpetual Help Multipurpose Cooperative (PHCCI-MPC)
  • Saint Bernard Multipurpose Cooperative (SBMPC)
  • Allen Municipal Officials, Employees and Communities Multipurpose Cooperative (AMOEC MPC)
  • Tacloban Entrepreneurs Associated Marketing Cooperative (TEAM COOP)

These cooperatives showcased their products, services, and cooperative programs while presenting opportunities that may benefit OFWs and their families as they reintegrate into their respective communities. Through cooperative membership, enterprise development, access to financial services, capacity-building programs, and livelihood opportunities, these organizations continue to contribute to the economic well-being and empowerment of returning migrant workers.

In her message of support, CDA Region VIII Regional Director Venus M. Jornales emphasized the significant role of cooperatives in helping OFWs achieve sustainable reintegration and economic stability. She highlighted that cooperatives provide a platform where returning migrant workers can access affordable financial services, engage in productive enterprises, develop entrepreneurial skills, and participate in community-driven development initiatives. “Through cooperatives, our returning OFWs can transform their hard-earned experiences and resources into sustainable livelihood ventures and long-term investments that benefit not only their families but also their communities. The cooperative sector offers a pathway toward financial security, social inclusion, and shared prosperity,” Director Jornales stated. She further reaffirmed CDA’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with the Department of Migrant Workers and other stakeholders in expanding cooperative-based opportunities for OFWs. Director Jornales encouraged migrant workers and their families to explore cooperative membership and actively participate in cooperative enterprises as a means of achieving financial resilience and sustainable development.

As the nation celebrates Migrant Workers’ Month and commemorates Independence Day, the Cooperative Development Authority remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting national reintegration efforts by promoting cooperatives as effective vehicles for inclusive growth, community development, and sustainable economic opportunities. Through collaborative partnerships and people-centered programs, CDA continues to empower OFWs and their families toward a more secure, productive, and prosperous future.