DMW, DA to jointly support OFWs, families in agribusiness

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Department of Agriculture (DA) to assist reintegrating overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families who will venture into agribusiness.

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," said DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac. 

"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 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. 

In the meantime, 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.

"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,” said DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.

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. —KBK, GMA Integrated News