Duty Free Philippines Corporation (DFPC) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) renewed their partnership to relaunch the Kabuhayan Shopping Program for the benefit of the Overseas Filipino Workers and Balikbayans.
Launched in 2011, DFPC’s Kabuhayan Shopping Program aims to support OFWs to better manage their earnings from working abroad.
“The Kabuhayan Shopping Program provides opportunities for our fellow balikbayans to spend their hard earned money efficiently, investing in livelihood tools for small and micro enterprise businesses. We are pleased to strengthen this initiative with TESDA who will also offer training for business development, marketing, among others,” DFPC Chief Operating Officer Vicente Angala said.
TESDA Director Luz Ampunin also noted that this program is an excellent opportunity for OFWs to enter into entrepreneurship considering the extra value they get on top of the tax exempt shopping privileges.
Returning Filipinos can purchase additional duty and tax exempt livelihood tools worth up to $2,000 subject to acceptable foreign currencies at Duty Free Philippines Fiestamall. This covers items necessary to start a small and micro enterprise business such as bread and pastry production, cookery, housekeeping, shielded metal welding, carwash, among others. TESDA will provide sufficient training for OFWs on business finance, marketing, and business development.
The DFPC’s Kabuhayan Shopping Program is provided for under the Balikbayan Law, or Republic Act No. 9174, which provides duty free shopping privileges and incentives to all OFWs/balikbayans.
To know more, visit www.dfp.com.ph or follow Duty Free Philippines on Facebook.
