Duty Free PH Pushes Livelihood Programs for OFWs, Balikbayans

Back in September of last year, I was able to get first dibs on Duty Free's Kabuhayan Shopping Program for OFWs.  It is to their intention to partner with our balikbayans to provide additional income for them and their families.

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and balikbayans who plan to break into entrepreneurship can now purchase their livelihood equipment at Duty Free Philippines Fiestamall.

Through the Kabuhayan Shopping Privilege (KSP), balikbayans and OFWs who have gone back abroad can avail of duty and tax-exempt purchase in the amount of US$2,000.00, exclusively for livelihood equipment, within 15 calendar days from the date of arrival.

Among the kabuhayan products available at the DFPC Fiestamall in Parañaque City are popcorn maker, potato cutter, shawarma machine, fryer, hotdog roller, ice cream machine, crepe machine, candy floss maker, chicken rotisserie, rice mill, e-bikes, and commercial laundry machine.

 “This our way of helping our kababayans to use their hard-earned money to put up a business while they are working abroad or want to build they life anew when they decided to go home for good, ” said Duty Free Philippines Corporation (DFPC) Chief Operating Officer (COO) Vicente Pelagio A. Angala.

To cater to the large number of OFWs and balikbayans, the privilege is extended to 30 calendar days from the date of arrival for those who come home from November 15 to January 15.

While OFWs certified by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Overseas Worker Welfare Administration (OWWA), Philippine Overseas Labor Officer or by the embassy/consulate of the Philippines in the country where he or she had been deployed, may opt to endorse in writing the kabuhayan shopping privilege to his or her immediate family members within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity.

Angala revealed that DFPC is in coordination with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) on its plan to provide appropriate livelihood training for OFWs who purchased their tools at DFPC store.