Gov’t backs AI-powered Bahai Deals to help OFWs buy homes

MANILA – A new online platform aimed at helping overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) invest in real estate in the Philippines has earned strong support from key government agencies, including the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology, and the Commission on Filipinos Overseas.

Talino Venture Studios and Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) launched Bahai Deals in Taguig City Tuesday, which is an artificial intelligence-powered, end-to-end marketplace that simplifies the process of buying residential properties.

Bahai Deals connects global Filipinos to property listings, financing options, and secured sales processing all in one platform.

“We want to simplify the home buying process. We want to market Philippine properties as the most reliable investment to make, especially if you’re Filipino,” DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said during the launch.

“We have really great hopes in making sure that Filipinos really get to invest back home. This is highly desired, especially in North America. Mahal ang bahay sa North America (Houses in North America are expensive). So a lot of Filipinos can’t afford a home in North America, but if they can buy a home in the Philippines... their work is something that rewards them at the very end,” he added.

Cacdac also lauded Bahai Deals for making property investments more accessible and transparent, which ensures that OFW incomes are protected.

In the same event, DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque echoed her support, highlighting the importance of adopting digital innovation.

“Digitalization and AI is the main priority of our President (Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.),” she said. “With Bahai, we are bringing our OFWs closer to home one step at a time… Let us help them make the most and the best out the hard-earned money.”

Roque also suggested to RCBC to expand financial support to OFWs through franchising loans, adding that this could help OFWs come back to the Philippines sooner with sustainable livelihood options.

RCBC powers the mortgage side of Bahai Deals.

“RCBC is excited to collaborate with Talino through Bahai Deals, enabling global Filipinos to access seamless, secure, and affordable home loan solutions wherever they are in the world,ˮ RCBC executive vice president Lito Villanueva said.

Talino president and chief executive officer Winston Damarillo said the company will have a roadshow in North America in the next two months.

Damarillo said Bahai Deals will initially focus on overseas Filipinos in North America.

Talino sees the opportunities in OFWs in North America, as its own market study shows that 31 percent of Filipinos in the US said they desire to move back to the Philippines in the future.

These OFWs in the US have an average annual income of USD115,509, which could afford them to buy residential properties in the Philippines valuing between PHP5 million to PHP12 million. (PNA)

(2025/05/06-09:43)