ORP Barlex Garments: 2 Billion OFW Reintegration Program Story: Succeeding with Clothing




(Left to right) OFW Reintegration Fund Beneficiary Ms. Nancy R. Santos together with  Raymund Leonor of RWO-NCR holding up a finished product of her  factory, Ms. Nancy checking the work of one of her workers, Ms. Nancy R. Santos   showing another product made by her workers (inset)
            OFW Benjamin R. Santos Jr. 38, has been an OFW for 10 years in United Kingdom. Due to his children’s schooling, Benjamin and his wife Nancy decided to expand their        business to help them earn more for their     family needs.
            The couple first heard about the OFW  Reintegration Fund Program (ORP) through  Benjamin’s co-workers who tried to avail of the loan. After applying in October 2012, and   submitting all the requirements, the couple  received their loan which amounts to  Php 300,000.00 from the Land Bank of the  Philippines.
            “Applying for the loan was actually very  simple. Once you have completed the requirements you will be able to receive the cash you  loaned for.” Nancy remarked.
            Aside from making school uniforms, the  Santos's are also sub-contractors for   well-known local brands like Hammerhead, Paddocks and BNY Jeans.
            “The garments industry is very  demanding especially with so many clothes that costs much cheaper,                 but since my husband who works as a  tailor in United Kingdom is passionate about tailoring, we have managed to make sure that every product coming from us is of good  quality.”
            Barlex Garments started with two   sewing machines and Php 20,000.00 as initial capital. After seven years in the business they now have a total of 18 workers and earns at least Php 20,000-30,000 a month.
             “Napakalaki ng naitulong ng OWWA sa amin, dahil sa loan nakapag-expand kami ng business, dumami ang aming kliyente, lumaki ang kita ng negosyo at higit sa lahat nakapagtapos na kami ng dalawang anak namin ng Kolehiyo.” Mrs. Nancy Santos happily remarked.
            The 2 Billion Reintegration Fund for business enterprise development is a loan facility in partnership with Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines, where a member or their legal dependent can avail of a loan  between Php 300,000.00 to Php 2 million. 

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