Home⇛International Journal of Multidisciplinary: Applied Business and Education Research⇛vol. 6 no. 10 (2025)

From Repatriation to Medium Enterprise: A Narrative Review of OFW Entrepreneurship and Scaling Barriers in the Philippines

Ruben B. Tindugan

Discipline: business and management

 

Abstract:

This narrative-plus-structured literature review examines how repat-riated Overseas Filipino Workers in the Philippines move from neces-sity entrepreneurship to sustainable medium-scale enterprises and where support systems fall short. Sources from 2019 to 2025 were screened for methodological clarity and local relevance, then synthe-sized across five lenses: finance and cash discipline; governance and compliance; managerial capability and operating discipline; market ac-cess and supply-chain linkages; and technology and digitalization. The synthesis finds that while the ecosystem lowers entry barriers for mi-cro start-ups, the pathway to scale remains thin. Lender legibility is un-even. Formalization and e-documentation requirements slow partici-pation in formal markets. Supervisory depth and operating cadence of-ten stall during the shift from founder-run to professionally managed. Accreditation and purchase-order documentation are pivotal for stable demand and financing unlocks. Basic digital tools shorten cycles and reduce errors when integrated into daily work. An actionable bundle emerges: monthly close within 10 days, a 13-week cash forecast, a com-pliance calendar and approvals policy, onboarding to e-invoicing and digital payments embedded in accounting and order tracking, a buyer documentation pack with on-time-in-full tracking, and supplier-fo-cused coaching to build lender legibility. Moving from micro to medium scale is most likely when these elements operate together. Policy should test this bundle using longitudinal cohorts and quasi- experi-mental designs. Future research should track adoption fidelity, hetero-geneity by sector and region, and lender responses to improvements in documentation and cash discipline.



References:

  1. Acclime. (2025). Eight common challenges when starting a business in the Philippines. https://philippines.acclime.com/guides/starting-businesscommon- challenges/
  2. Alibhai, S. (2019). Full Esteem Ahead? MindsetOriented Business Training in Ethiopia. World Bank, Washington, DC.
  3. Ang, A. P., Magante, M. C. T., Militante, M. I. V., & Opiniano, J. M. (2023). Post- pandemic reintegration efforts for Overseas Filipino Workers: What prospects abound? Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom. https://www.freiheit.org/philippines/post-pandemic-reintegration-efforts-overseas-filipino-workers-whatprospects-abound
  4. Asis, M. M. B. (2020). The crisis of OFW repatriation. Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism. https://pcij.org/article/4338/the-crisis-of-ofw-repatriation
  5. Asian Development Bank. (2022, February). COVID-19 and Overseas Filipino Workers: Return migration and reintegration into the home country—The Philippine case. ADB Southeast Asia Working Paper Series, No. 21. https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/publication/767846/sewp- RB Tindugan, 2025 / From Repatriation to Medium Enterprise IJMABER 5353 Volume 6 | Number 10 | October | 2025 021-covid-19-ofws-return-migration-reintegration.pdf
  6. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. (2024). Credit Surety Fund (CSF) primer. https://www.bsp.gov.ph/Inclusive%20Finance/Financial_Inclusion- Advocacies/CSF_Primer.pdf
  7. Bautista, B., & Tamayo, V. (2020). Overseas Filipino Workers, Life Challenges, Communication, Finances, Work Environment. DLSU. https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1069&context=conf_shsrescon
  8. Beltran, L. (2025). Why 99% of Filipino Entrepreneurs Start Backwards | Philippine Reverse-Engineering Method. Lou Beltran. https://www.loubeltran.com/why-99-offilipino-entrepreneurs-start-backwardsphilippine-reverse-engineering-method
  9. Bloom, N., Eifert, B., Mahajan, A., McKenzie, D., & Roberts, J. (2013). Does management matter? Evidence from India. Quarterly Journal of Economics, 128(1), 1–51. https://academic.oup.com/qje/articleabstract/128/1/1/1838606
  10. BusinessWorld. (2024, May 20). LANDBANK approves P2.68-B OFW loans. BusinessWorld Online. https://www.bworldonline.com/economy/2024/05/20/596388/ BusinessWorld. (2025, April 23). NCR economic output jumped by 5.6% in 2024 — PSA. BusinessWorld Online. https://www.bworldonline.com/topstories/2025/04/23/667448/ncr-economic-output-jumped-by-5-6-in-2024- psa/
  11. Calapati, J. (2025, May 16). OFW remittances up 2.7% in Q1. Philippine Institute for Development Studies. https://www.pids.gov.ph/details/news/in-the-news/ofw- remittances-up-2-7-in-q1
  12. Chen, X. (2024). A literature review on transnational diaspora entrepreneurship and international business. New England Journal of Entrepreneurship, 27(2), Article 3. https://digitalcommons.sacredheart.edu/neje/vol27/iss2/3/
  13. Chirico, F. (2006). Inertia as inhibiting competitiveness in Philippine family businesses. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/283851172_Inertia_as_inhibiting_competitiveness_in_Philippine_family_businesses
  14. De Guzman, E. (2020). Challenges in accessing government support among repatriated OFW entrepreneurs. Journal of Philippine Studies. https://journal.philstudies.gov/de-guzman2020
  15. Deinla, I. B. (2022). Emergent political remittances during the pandemic. Journal of Southeast Asian Economies, 39(2), 158– 178. https://doi.org/10.1353/sea.2022.0012
  16. Dela Cruz, R. (2022). Navigating the new normal: Challenges of repatriated OFW entrepreneurs. Journal of Philippine Business Studies, 15(2), 45-62.
  17. Dela Rama, P. A., Lopez, A., & Cabañes, J. (2020). Reintegrating Returning Overseas Filipino Workers through Entrepreneurship. Research Congress Proceedings.
  18. De La Salle University. https://www.dlsu.edu.ph/wp- content/uploads/pdf/conferences/researchcongress-proceedings/2020/SEP-02.pdf
  19. De La Salle University. (2020). Reintegrating Returning Overseas Filipino Workers through Entrepreneurship.
  20. DLSU Research Congress 2020. https://www.dlsu.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/pdf/conferences/researchcongress- proceedings/2020/SEP-02.pdf Department of Finance (DOF). (2021, October 14). Full implementation of Personal Property Security Law to expand access of MSMEs, farmers to easy credit—DOF. https://www.dof.gov.ph/full-implementation-of-personal-property-securitylaw-to-expand-access-of-msmes-farmersto-easy-credit-dof/
  21. Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). (2024). DMW-DTI ink agreement for sustainable viable business opportunities for ofws & families. Department of Migrant Workers News Releases. https://dmw.gov.ph/news-releases/2025/DMW-DTI-ink-agreementfor-sustainable-viable-business-opportunities-for-ofws-families RB Tindugan, 2025 / From Repatriation to Medium Enterprise IJMABER 5354 Volume 6 | Number 10 | October | 2025
  22. Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). (2025). Citizen’s Charter 2025 1st Edition. Department of Migrant Workers. https://dmw.gov.ph/resources/dmw/Edited%20Final%20DMW%20CC%202025%201st% 20Edition.pdf
  23. Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). (2025, January 15). DMW, DTI ink agreement for sustainable, viable business opportunities for OFWs, families. https://dmw.gov.ph/news-releases/2025/DMW-DTI-ink-agreemenfor-sustainable-viable-business-opportunities-for-ofws-families
  24. Department of Science and Technology National Capital Region (DOST-NCR). (2024). Innovative OFWs Assisted through IFWD PH Program; DOST fully commits to OFW reintegration through ST&I. https://ncr.dost.gov.ph/innovativeofws-assisted-through-ifwd-ph-programdost-fully-commits-to-ofw-reintegrationthrough-sti/
  25. Department of Science and Technology National Capital Region (DOST-NCR). (2025). DOST-NCR helps women OFWs and families venture into technologybased business through iFWD PH program. https://ncr.dost.gov.ph/dost-ncrhelps-women-ofws-and-families-venture-into-technology-based-businessthrough-ifwd-ph-program/
  26. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). (2024). MSMED Plan 2023–2028. https://dtiwebfiles.s3.ap-southeast1.amazonaws.com/BSMED/MSMED%2BPlan%2B 2023-2028/MSMED%2BPlan%2B2023- 2028_approved%2B07Nov2024.v2.pdf Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). (n.d.). Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) Program. DTI Negosyo Center. https://dtinegosyocenter.online/programs-and-projects/kapatid-mentor-me-kmme-program
  27. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). (2025). Balik Pinas, Balik Uma: Gerry Paglinawan's Journey from OFW to Agripreneur. https://www.dti.gov.ph/zero-tohero/zthbayanigosyante/zth-b/balik-pinas-balik-uma/
  28. Department of Trade and Industry. (2025). About Negosyo Center. https://www.dti.gov.ph/dti-businesscenter/dti-programs-projects/dti-negosyo-center
  29. DTI Negosyo Center. (2025). Success Story: "A Mere OFW To A Successful Entreprenuer " Jennalyn Arroyo started working as an overseas Filipino Worker in Taiwan in 2009 as hospital staff. https://dtinegosyocenter.online/news/success-storymere-ofw-successful-entreprenuer
  30. Estrellado, R. A., et al. (2021). A journey back home: Lived experience of the returning overseas Filipinos in a 14-day quarantine facility. International Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 13(1), 24-34.
  31. Gatchalian, W. (2020). Speech on OFW Reintegration and Entrepreneurship. Senate of the Philippines.
  32. Gruenhagen, J. H., Davidsson, P., & Sawang, S. (2020). Returnee entrepreneurs: A systematic literature review, thematic analysis, and research agenda. Foundations and Trends in Entrepreneurship, 16(4), 310– 392. https://doi.org/10.1561/0300000096
  33. Gutierrez, R., et al. (2023). Psychological influences on OFW entrepreneurship. Philippine Journal of Psychology. https://pjpsychology.ph/gutierrez-et-al2023
  34. Hall, B. J., Garabiles, M. R., & Latkin, C. A. (2019). More than heroes: The life and experiences of Overseas Filipino Workers. Animo Repository. https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1069&context=conf_shsrescon
  35. Inquirer.net. (2025, August 23). The danger of OFWs starting businesses. https://business.inquirer.net/536978/the-danger-ofofws-starting-businesses
  36. International Finance Corporation (IFC). (2020). SME governance guidebook. https://www.ifc.org/content/dam/ifc/doc/mgrt/ifc-sme-guide2020-web.pdf
  37. International Finance Corporation (IFC). (2022). Corporate governance and RB Tindugan, 2025 / From Repatriation to Medium Enterprise IJMABER 5355 Volume 6 | Number 10 | October | 2025 SMEs— What we offer. https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/099225212022227056/pdf/ID U083e81 c140cd2a04b740bbe20587f2e11ae07.pd f International Labour Organization. (n.d.). Migration, Human Capital, and Entrepreneurship: Evidence from Philippine Migrants' Exchange Rate Shocks. https://www.ilo.org/sites/default/files/wcmsp5/groups/public/@asia/@ro-bangkok/@ilo-manila/documents/publication/wcms_160579.pdf
  38. International Organization for Migration (IOM) Philippines. (2021). IOM Philippines’ Report Reveals Challenges of Returned Overseas Filipino Workers Due to COVID19. UN Philippines. https://philippines.un.org/en/127227-iom-philippines%E2%80%99-report-reveals-challenges-returned-overseas-filipino-workers-due-covid-19%C2%A0
  39. International Organization for Migration. (2022). Returning during the pandemic: How OFWs navigated reintegration in the Philippines. IOM Philippines. https://philippines.iom.int/data-and-resources
  40. Johnson, J. P., Muñoz, J. M., & Alon, I. (2006). Filipino ethnic entrepreneurship: An integrated review and propositions. International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, 3(1), 69–85. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/225617181_Filipino_ethnic_entrepreneurship_An_integrated_review_and_propositions
  41. Kang, J. W. (2022). COVID-19 and overseas Filipino workers: Return migration and reintegration into the home country. Asian Development Bank. https://www.adb.org/publications/covid-19-and-overseas-filipinoworkers-return-migration-and-reintegration-home-country
  42. Kotsogiannis, C., Lang, M., Maftei, G., & Myles, G. (2024). E-invoicing, tax audits and VAT compliance: Evidence from Rwanda. BSE Working Paper 1454. https://bw.bse.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1454-file.pdf
  43. KPMG. (2025, March 7). Philippines: Expansion of e-invoicing resumed. https://kpmg.com/us/en/taxnewsflash/news/2025/03/philippines-expansion-e- invoicing-mandate.html
  44. Leaño, R. N. D. & Lim, S. D. (2020). Return Migrant Entrepreneurship: A Case Study. De La Salle University. https://www.dlsu.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/pdf/conferences/researchcongress-proceedings/2020/SEP-02.pdf
  45. Lek, K., Vendrig, R., & Schaafsma, J. (2020). What are psychosocial risk factors for entrepreneurs to become unfit? Journal of Business Psychology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33074213/
  46. McKenzie, D. (2020). Small business training to improve management practices in developing countries: Reassessing the evidence for “training doesn’t work”. World Bank Policy Research Working Paper 9408. https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/593081600709463800/pdf/S mall-Business-Training-to-Improve-Management-Practices-in-Developing-Countries-Reassessing-the-Evidence-forTraining-Doesn-t-Work.pdf
  47. McKenzie, D. (2023). Training entrepreneurs (Issue 3). VoxDevLit. https://voxdev.org/sites/default/files/2023-11/Training_Entrepreneurs_Issue_3.pdf
  48. National Economic and Development Authority. (2023). Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028. https://pdp.depdev.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/PDP-2023- 2028.pdf
  49. National Privacy Commission (NPC). (2018). NPC Circular No. 18-02: Guidelines on compliance checks. https://privacy.gov.ph/npc-circular-no-18-02- guidelines-on- compliance-checks/ National Privacy Commission (NPC). (2024, January 9). Guidelines on processing based on legitimate interests—Advisory. https://insightplus.bakermckenzie.com/bm/data-technology/philip- RB Tindugan, 2025 / From Repatriation to Medium Enterprise IJMABER 5356 Volume 6 | Number 10 | October | 2025 pines-national-privacy-commission-issues-guidelines-on-the-processing-ofpersonal-information-based-on-legitimate-interest
  50. Nixon. (2025). The Danger of OFWs Starting Businesses. Business Inquirer. https://business.inquirer.net/536978/the-danger-of-ofwsstarting-businesses
  51. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2021). The digital transformation of SMEs. https://doi.org/10.1787/bdb9256a-en
  52. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2024). Migrant entrepreneurship. In International migration outlook 2024. https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/2024/11/international-migrationoutlook-2024_c6f3e803/full-report/migrant-entrepreneurship-in-oecd-countries_72f44494.html
  53. Orbeta, A. C., & Abrigo, M. R. M. (2021). Thinking of working abroad? A primer for aspiring Filipino migrant workers. Philippine Institute for Development Studies. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). (n.d.). OFW Enterprise Development and Loan Program. https://owwa.gov.ph/ofw-enterprise-development-and-loan-program-formerlyp2b-ofw-reintegration-program/
  54. Padilla, M. (2016). From domestic helper to BPO CEO. Philippine Management Review. https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/95234/how-an-ofw-sets-upa-successful-bpo-business
  55. Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). (2024). 2023 Overseas Filipino Workers (Final Results). PSA.gov.ph. https://psa.gov.ph/statistics/survey/labor-and-employment/survey-overseasfilipinos
  56. Philippine Statistics Authority. (2025a, April 22). Regional accounts of the Philippines, 2024 [Press materials]. https://psa.gov.ph/statistics/regionalaccounts Philippine News Agency & Philippine Information Agency–NCR. (2024, January 26). Negosyo Center opens in North Caloocan. https://pia.gov.ph/negosyo-centeropens- in-north-caloocan/
  57. Pinca, J., Labausa, F., & Cruda, N. (2024). Understanding the role of financial literacy practices on the business performance of MSMEs. Education Journal.
  58. Respicio, S. J. (2025). Cash assistance programs for returning OFWs in the Philippines. Respicio & Partners Law Office. https://www.respicio.ph/commentaries/cash-assistance-programs-for-terminated-ofws-philippines Respicio & Co. Law Firm. (2025, August 15). OFW Business Assistance Programs in the Philippines: OWWA Reintegration and DTI Financing. https://www.respicio.ph/commentaries/ofw-business-assistance-programs-in-the-philippinesowwa-reintegration-and-dti-financing
  59. Roldan, J. (2020). Reintegrating returning Overseas Filipino Workers through entrepreneurship. DLSU Research Congress. https://www.dlsu.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/pdf/conferences/researchcongress-proceedings/2020/SEP-02.pdf
  60. , B. G., et al. (2025). Return migrant entrepreneurship: A systematic review and future research agenda. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice. https://doi.org/10.1177/104225872513 22402
  61. Silva, V. A. V. (2016, June 7). How an OFW sets up a successful BPO business. Cebu Daily News. https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/95234/how-an-ofw-sets-upa-successful-bpo-business
  62. Small Business Corporation. (2024). Business Expansion Financing. https://sbcorp.gov.ph/programs-andservices/msme-financing-programs/
  63. Tiongson, R. (2020). OFWs and their financial future. Randell Tiongson. https://randelltiongson.com/ofws-and-their-financial-future/
  64. Tiongson, R. (2025, July 23). The danger of OFWs starting businesses. Philippine Daily Inquirer. https://business.inquirer.net/536978/the-danger-of-ofwsstarting-businesses RB Tindugan, 2025 / From Repatriation to Medium Enterprise IJMABER 5357 Volume 6 | Number 10 | October | 2025
  65. Torres, M., & Santos, L. (2024). Financial management in OFW-led enterprises. Asian Journal of Entrepreneurship.
  66. Tullao, T. S. & Rivera, J. P. (2023). Facilitating and inhibiting factors of entrepreneurial activities of OFWs. Community-Based Monitoring System Profiles. https://www.pep-net.org/sites/pepnet.org/files/typo3doc/pdf/CBMS_country_proj_profiles/Philippines/Special_initiatives/ADB/CFO-ADB_-TullaoRivera- _FINAL.pdf UN Multi-Partner
  67. Trust Fund. (2023). Evaluation of the BRIDGE programme in the Philippines. https://mptf.undp.org/sites/default/files/documents/2024- 08/mmptf_ta4_the_philippines_evaluation_report_may_2023_1.pdf
  68. UN Women Asia and the Pacific. (2023). Gender and reintegration of Overseas Filipino Workers. https://asiapacific.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/2023- 04/ph-UNW-BRIDGE_Gender-and-Reintegration-of-OFWs.pdf
  69. Uy, T., & Shrimski, J. (2025). Unlocking the Philippines’ aspiration economy: What we can do to propel MSMEs forward. BusinessWorld Online. https://www.bworldonline.com/specialreports/2025/09/08/696461/unlocking-the- philippines-aspiration-economywhat-we-can-do-to-propel-msmes-forward/
  70. World Bank. (2019). SME finance (topic page). https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/s mefinance World Bank. (2020). SME upgrading program: Exploring initiatives that combine market linkages and capability strengthening (Report No. 148150). https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/792481591857784144/pdf/S ME- Upgrading-Program-Exploring-Initiatives-that-Combine-Market-Linkagesand- Capability-Strengthening.pdf
  71. Zhou, J. (2024). The impact of return migration on rural entrepreneurship. Journal of Asian Economics, 89, 101697. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asieco.2023.1 01697

Tools


Copyright © 2026  KITE Digital Educational Solutions |  Exclusively distributed by CE-Logic