Go Negosyo’s Balikbayan Summit draws 1,000 OFWs
At least 1,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) attended Go Negosyo’s BalikBayan Summit 2025, where they received mentorship from business experts on how to start their own enterprises and build sustainable livelihoods in the Philippines.
The event, themed “Balik-Bayan, Balik-Negosyo: Investing at Home, Connecting to ASEAN,” was held at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City on Saturday.
It was a prelude to the Philippines’ hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit and Related Summits in 2026.
Hard sacrifices
In his speech, Go Negosyo founder and Asean Business Advisory Council chair Joey Concepcion recognized the sacrifices made by OFWs for their families and for the country.
“I would like to thank all of you for making a huge sacrifice. I know all of you have to work overseas to help give your families a better life, and that is why for the past 15 years we have been doing this event,” he said.
“I know you have sacrificed a lot, leaving your children here in this country, moving abroad to work just for them to have a better school and a better life. And that is a very, very hard sacrifice and I admire all of you,” he added.
Brighter economy
Concepcion hoped that the Philippines would be presented during the Asean activities as a country where foreign investors could prosper, despite issues of corruption in government.
“Under the leadership of President Marcos, we envision a brighter and prosperous economy. This is gonna happen this coming year so we cannot allow the same mistake to happen,” he said.
First lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque were also present at the event.
The yearly summit brings OFWs and entrepreneurs together for knowledge-sharing and inspiration toward the establishment of successful business ventures.
