PUSHING forward with the government’s reverse migration bid, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) yesterday encouraged overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to consider returning home and become “agri-preneurs”.
In a statement, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said they are encouraging OFWs to transition into having their own agri-business ventures in the country.
“The agricultural sector is a worthwhile business and investment opportunity for our dear OFWs. Agribusiness is a sustainable and viable program for the reintegration of OFWs,” said Cacdac.
“We vow to assist reintegrating overseas Filipino workers and their families as they venture into agribusiness as a productive livelihood and investment opportunity,” he added.
The DMW has forged a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Agriculture (DA) on late Wednesday where both agencies agreed to collaborate in the conduct of entrepreneurship development training programs and create forums and related activities for OFWs and their families interested in entering the agribusiness sector.
The DMW, in particular, will conduct Financial Awareness Seminars and Small Business Management Training (FAS-SBMT) for selected and qualified OFWs to provide the assistance they need to jumpstart their agribusiness livelihood initiatives.
On the other hand, the DA will provide enterprise business development services to prospective OFW agri-preneurs, including access to markets, financing, resource institutions, and technical support in managing their agribusiness venture.
Previously, the DMW encouraged OFWs to return home and consider jobs and business opportunities in the local travel and tourism industry.
