FEATURED OFW NEWS THIS MONTH

OFWs can now pay membership fees conveniently and securely using the Bills Pay feature of GCash, anytime, anywhere. This comes at a critical time, as the ongoing Middle East conflict heightens the need for safe, reliable, and accessible digital solutions for Filipinos.

Active membership provides essential support, including emergency repatriation services and reintegration, as well as social benefits like healthcare, legal assistance, and livelihood programs. By digitizing the renewal process, OWWA and GCash are helping ensure that Filipinos have uninterrupted access to these benefits and protections, especially during crises.

“Digitizing the OWWA membership renewal via GCash is a vital component of how our agency is continuously modernizing for the benefit of our countrymen working abroad,” said Atty. Patricia Yvonne “PY” Caunan, OWWA administrator. “We’re glad to have allies in the private sector to help us continue extending the safety of home and the protections of the government to our migrant workers.”

At the signing of the memorandum of agreement, Caunan also cited the broad digital finance advocacies of GCash, which include actively fostering a culture of financial literacy, as key drivers in advancing economic inclusion—contributing to the national goal of making migrant work a sustainable and viable livelihood choice for Filipinos instead of a necessity.

According to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the group is composed of five shrimp hatchery technicians and one domestic worker based in Dubai who had traveled to Iran as a tourist with her employer. They flew in aboard Emirates flight EK 334.

"This group marks the first batch of Filipinos repatriated from Iran following the June 13 Israel-Iran conflict," the DMW said in a statement posted on Facebook.

Government officials were present at the airport to receive the workers, including OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan, DFA Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega, and DMW Assistant Secretary Venecio Legaspi. Also on-site were personnel from the MIA medical team, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Manila International Airport Authority.

Jury Group of Companies: From Hot Sauce Origins in UAE to a Diversified Global Enterprise 

Jury Group of Companies is a dynamic and diversified business organization that began its entrepreneurial journey in the United Arab Emirates with a simple yet distinctive product—its original hot sauce. Inspired by a fusion of Filipino taste preferences and Middle Eastern culinary influence, the product marked the company’s first step into the competitive world of food manufacturing and trade. What started as a small-scale venture soon became the foundation of a broader international business vision.

As the organization grew, Jury Group of Companies strategically expanded into multiple industries, transforming itself from a single-product enterprise into a multi-sector conglomerate. One of its key achievements was the establishment of its own clothing factory, allowing the company to enter the fashion and textile manufacturing industry. This expansion not only strengthened its commercial footprint but also created employment opportunities for workers across different skill levels.

In addition to manufacturing, the group ventured into healthcare through Botika ng Masa Pharmacy, a community-oriented initiative aimed at providing affordable and accessible medicines. Botika ng Masa Pharmacy reflects the company’s commitment to social responsibility and public service, ensuring that essential healthcare needs are met at the grassroots level.

The company also developed a strong presence in media and publishing with the launch of the Quarterly Global Kabayan Negosyo Magazine. This publication serves as a platform for overseas Filipino entrepreneurs, business leaders, and professionals to share their success stories, insights, and strategies. It helps foster a global network of kababayans engaged in trade, investment, and entrepreneurship.

Today, Jury Group of Companies stands as a symbol of resilience, innovation, and diversification. From its humble beginnings in the food industry, it has grown into a multifaceted organization with interests in manufacturing, healthcare, and media. Its continued expansion reflects a commitment to empowering communities, promoting entrepreneurship, and strengthening global Filipino presence in business.