The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at supporting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families in pursuing agribusiness opportunities upon their return to the Philippines.
The MOU, signed on Wednesday, seeks 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.
“The agricultural sector is a worthwhile business and investment opportunity for our dear OFWs,” stated DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac in a GMA News Online report. “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.”
Under the agreement, the DMW and DA will collaborate on conducting entrepreneurship development training programs and creating forums and related activities for OFWs and their families interested in agribusiness. The DMW will organize Financial Awareness Seminars and Small Business Management Training (FAS-SBMT) for selected and qualified OFWs to help them start their agribusiness ventures.
The DA will provide enterprise business development services, including access to markets, financing, resource institutions, and technical support in managing agribusiness ventures. DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating, “We hope to see our OFWs prosper in Philippine agriculture and every business. Our efforts will be harmonized with the DMW to ensure a successful implementation of this initiative.”
Reintegration is a key focus for the DMW, as it aims to harness the potential of OFWs as contributors to national economic development while facilitating their return to the country.