DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. sign an agreement that ensures technical assistance to OFWs who want to start a business on agriculture. (photo: DMW)
Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who want to invest in agriculture are assured of assistance to earn more following the signing of agreement between the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Department of Agriculture (DA).
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the agreement would pave the way to providing support and technical assistance to OFWs and their families who want to venture into agribusiness as a productive livelihood and investment opportunity.
“The agricultural sector is a worthwhile business and investment opportunity for our dear OFWs. The DMW is partnering with the DA to support them as we promote agribusiness as a sustainable and viable program for the reintegration of OFWs,” Cacdac.
“The MOU pledges to provide comprehensive support and technical assistance to prospective OFW ‘agri-preneurs’ as part of the entrepreneurship development initiatives under the national reintegration program for OFWs and their families,” he added.
Under the agreement, both agencies will collaborate to conduct entrepreneurship development training programs and create forums and related activities for OFWs and their families interested in entering the agribusiness sector.
The DMW 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.
For his part, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the department 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.
“We strive to honor the sacrifices and hard work of our OFWs by providing them viable job opportunities in the country. Ultimately, we hope to see our OFWs prosper in Philippine agriculture and every business,” said Laurel.
“Our efforts will be harmonized with the DMW to ensure a successful implementation of this initiative,” he added,
Cacdac said reintegration is a key development agenda of the DMW as it fulfills its mandate to further harness the potential of OFWs as co-architects of national economic development, even as they continue their labor journey in the country for good.