Insider Spotlight
The collaboration, formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed on Nov. 27 in Makati City, centers on IPON Tourism—an effort to help OFWs build long-term financial stability and entrepreneurial capacity in the tourism sector.
Why it matters
The partnership seeks to create structured pathways for OFWs to transition from income earners abroad to empowered investors, entrepreneurs, and financially literate stakeholders at home. It reinforces government efforts to support the sustainable reintegration of Filipino migrant workers.
The big picture
The Balik Bayani sa Turismo Program, led by DOT in coordination with DMW, aims to institutionalize opportunities in livelihood creation, entrepreneurship development, savings growth, investment participation, and financial education for OFWs and their families.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said in a press release on Nov. 29, 2025 that the initiative “opens pathways for OFWs to engage in tourism through industries covered by our private sector partners—as investors or entrepreneurs.”
She highlighted condotel investments as a “structured and credible” avenue for long-term financial security.
Driving the investment pathway
Through IPON Tourism, OFWs may invest in Hotel101’s expanding portfolio—including properties in Davao and Libis Bridgetowne—and receive a share in hotel revenues along with free stay vouchers redeemable across its global network.
The DOT also commended Hotel101 for bringing a Filipino hotel brand to the global stage, reinforcing its role in generating accessible opportunities for OFWs seeking financial growth.
What they’re saying
Hotel101 general manager Charley Magabo emphasized the program’s inclusivity and long-term value for migrant workers.
“Hotel101 proudly steps forward to offer investment opportunities to OFWs that are transparent, accessible, and rewarding. To our OFWs: You are not just contributors to the economy—you are partners in progress.”
He added that the company’s international expansion—stretching from Manila and Fort to upcoming locations in Davao, Cebu, Madrid, and Niseko—aims to create “a network where every Filipino as a guest or as a unitowner feels at home anywhere in the world.”
Zoom out
Hotel101’s global ambitions include building one million hotel rooms worldwide and expanding its footprint to 100 countries. Its July 2025 listing on the US NASDAQ and its multibillion-peso market capitalization have positioned it as a significant mover in bringing US dollar inflows into the Philippine economy. — Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
