The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) have partnered to assist and train returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families who want to engage in agribusiness.

The two departments signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to provide comprehensive support and technical assistance to OFWs who want to venture into agribusiness and make it their livelihood or investment as they return to the country for good.

The program is part of the DMW’s entrepreneurship development initiatives under the national reintegration program for OFWs and their families.

DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac emphasized that reintegration is a key development agenda of the department, adding, “The agricultural sector is a worthwhile business and investment opportunity for our 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.”

DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. highlighted that part of recognizing the sacrifices and hard work of OFWs is providing them with viable job opportunities within the country, especially when they decide to return for good. “Ultimately, we hope to see our OFWs prosper in Philippine agriculture and every business,” he declared.

Under the MOU, the DMW and the DA will conduct entrepreneurship development training programs for OFWs and their families who are interested in entering the agribusiness sector. Forums and related activities will also be created for easier access and immediate response in case they have queries.

The DMW will also 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 initiatives.

The DA, on the other hand, will provide enterprise business development services to prospective OFWs and connect them to markets, financing, resource institutions, and technical support to help them manage their agribusiness venture.

Cacdac stated that the DMW’s reintegration programs consist of packages of services and mechanisms that will help OFWs have a productive return to their families and communities.

He referred to OFWs as “co-architects” of the country’s economic development even upon their completion of overseas employment and when they return to the Philippines for good and continue their productive undertakings.

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