Go Negosyo and the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) underscored the need to integrate migrant empowerment into the Philippines’ economic agenda as the country prepares to chair the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Business Advisory Council in 2026.

In a statement, Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion said ASEAN 2026 will be “the only main and biggest international event” under President Marcos’ term, making it a crucial platform for inclusive growth.

“We have to prepare this early,” he stressed, noting that programs for overseas Filipinos and their families should be part of the legacy projects.

The Go Negosyo founder explained that his group’s entrepreneurship initiatives will be aligned with the country’s hosting, with a particular focus on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and poverty reduction.

“MSMEs are the ones that are struggling. And we have a program that will be launched at that time,” Concepcion said.

He also emphasized the importance of assisting overseas workers in transitioning to business opportunities upon their return home.

“They remit money here, it helps the economy, it helps their family. But we have to find a solution for them,” Concepcion said.

“When they come home, they have to realize what skill they have and how to turn that skill into a business,” he added.

For his part, CFO Secretary Dante “Klink” Ang II emphasized that the advocacy aligns with the CFO’s mandate for long-term migrants and diaspora communities.

“The CFO looks after permanent and long-term migrants… Do you think they will also benefit from having this entrepreneurial mindset, knowing that they will be abroad permanently or long-term?” he asked.

Concepcion replied that entrepreneurship is a “universal mindset” that can also empower Filipinos abroad, many of whom have already established businesses and franchises in their host countries.

The CFO chief also raised the possibility of bringing Go Negosyo’s mentorship and youth programs into Philippine Schools Overseas (PSOs).

“The CFO looks after 34 Philippine schools overseas with the Department of Education, mostly in the Middle East. Learners there follow the Philippine curriculum, and I think this may be part of the solution to the high social costs borne by OFWs due to separation,” Ang said.

Concepcion confirmed that Go Negosyo has been integrating youth into its programs.

“Even at that young age, they’re already meeting top successful entrepreneurs, and that’s being rolled out. It’s one of the most successful programs that we have been doing,” he said.

Both officials agreed that ASEAN 2026 presents an opportunity to tie together migrant empowerment, youth development, MSME growth, and regional partnerships into a single inclusive entrepreneurship agenda.