Launched in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Innovations for Filipinos Working Distantly from the Philippines (iFWD-PH) Capability Building Program was established to respond to the urgent needs of repatriated Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families. The program was designed to provide displaced OFWs with sustainable livelihood pathways by equipping them with innovation-driven entrepreneurial skills and enabling them to establish and manage technology-based enterprises in the Philippines.

The program is implemented through a strategic partnership between the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Entrepinoy Volunteers Foundation, Inc. (EVFI). Anchored on capability building in innovation management, entrepreneurship, and enterprise development, the iFWD-PH Program supports OFWs in transitioning from overseas employment to local, innovation-led business ownership. It leverages structured learning, mentoring, and applied business development approaches to strengthen participants’ readiness for enterprise creation and growth.

At its core, the iFWD-PH Capability Building Program enhances participants’ competencies in business conceptualization, business model development, financial planning, operations, marketing, supply and value chain management, and business pitching. The program integrates values formation, work ethics, and discipline, recognizing these as critical foundations for sustainable entrepreneurship. Learning is delivered through a combination of virtual lectures, workshops, panel discussions, mentoring sessions, and business pitch activities, ensuring both theoretical grounding and practical application.

Since its inception, the program has continuously evolved to address the changing needs of OFWs and the broader innovation ecosystem. Learning modules are regularly updated to incorporate emerging business practices, digital platforms, and technology-enabled enterprise models. Participants undergo competency assessments and receive targeted interventions to support their progress from ideation to business plan development.

The iFWD-PH Capability Building Program reflects DOST’s commitment to inclusive innovation and EVFI’s mission to empower Filipino entrepreneurs through knowledge, mentorship, and volunteer expertise. By transforming crisis-driven repatriation into opportunities for resilient, innovation-led livelihoods, the program contributes to national recovery efforts and long-term economic development—positioning OFWs not only as beneficiaries, but as active contributors to the Philippine innovation economy.