Hotel101 signs MOU with DOT and DMW to offer IPON Tourism for OFWs

Hotel101 Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Department of Migrant Workers (DWM) in support of the Balik Bayani sa Turismo (BBST) Program. This partnership champions IPON Tourism, a program designed to promote the sustainable and productive reintegration of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) into Philippine society by providing investment and livelihood opportunities in the tourism sector. 

Hotel101 Group General Manager Charley Magabo joined DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco and DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, in a ceremonial MOU signing held on November 27, 2025, at the DOT Main Office in Makati City. 

The BBST Program, spearheaded by the DOT in partnership with the DMW, supports the national government’s reintegration initiatives for OFWs. It formalizes both agencies’ commitment to creating and establishing opportunities for livelihood, entrepreneurship, savings, investments, and financial literacy for OFWs and their families.

“Today’s signing with IPON Tourism marks the newest and most expansive component of our partnership with the DMW. This pillar opens pathways for OFWs to engage in tourism through industries covered by our private sector partners—as investors or entrepreneurs. Opportunities include condotel investments, offering structured and credible options for long-term financial security, among others,” explained Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco.

Under this program, OFWs can invest in Hotel101 projects such as Hotel101-Davao and Hotel101-Libis Bridgetowne, and enjoy a 30% share in gross hotel revenues, along with 10 free stay vouchers redeemable at any Hotel101 property worldwide.

“We commend Hotel101 for its success in bringing a homegrown Filipino brand to the world and for opening accessible investment pathways in the accommodation sector,” Secretary Frasco added.

Hotel101 Group GM Charley Magabo shared: that “Hotel101 proudly steps forward to offer investment opportunities to OFWs that are transparent, accessible, and rewarding. To our OFWs: You are not just contributors to the economy—you are partners in progress. This initiative gives OFWs a stake in the hospitality industry and a passport to experiences in key destinations in the Philippines and across the globe.”

He further emphasized: “From Hotel101-Manila and Hotel101-Fort, we are expanding next year to Hotel101-Davao, Hotel101-Cebu, and internationally with Hotel101-Madrid and Hotel101-Niseko, followed by many other countries as we pursue our grand vision of bringing the Filipino hotel brand Hotel101 to 100 countries worldwide. This expansion is not just about hotels, it’s about creating a network where every Filipino as a guest or as a unitowner feels at home anywhere in the world.”

Hotel101 is a homegrown Filipino brand with a global vision to build 1 million hotel rooms worldwide. On July 1, 2025, Hotel101 made history as the first Filipino company to be listed on the US NASDAQ. This achievement is a testament to Filipino ingenuity and perseverance on the global stage. As of November 25, 2025, Hotel101 Global has a market capitalization of $1.9 Billion USD (₱112 Billion Pesos) and is poised to become one of the major generators of US Dollar inflows to the Philippine economy.