9th OFW Summit in Pasay puts financial literacy, entrepreneurship at the core

Thousands of overseas Filipino workers and their families attended the 9th OFW and Family Summit held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City on Tuesday.

According to a report by Bernadette Reyes On GMA News TV's Balitanghali, the event with the theme "Kabuhayan sa Sariling Bayan" focused on improving the financial literacy and entrepreneurship capabilities of overseas workers and their families.

The summit was organized by the family of Senator Cynthia Villar through their foundation—the Villar Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance (Villar SIPAG)—in partnership with various government agencies, media, and non-governmental organizations.

"Masaya po kami dahil napakaraming kababayan na OFW ang nagpunta at nagpakita ng interes sa mga livelihood or business opportunities dito sa Pilipinas na maaari nilang paglagyan ng kinita nila abroad para magkaroon ng sariling kabuhayan dito sa atin," Villar said in a separate statement.

"Gusto talaga namin na maraming mahikayat na ang katuparan ng mga pangarap ay hindi lamang makukuha kapag tayo ay nag-abroad. Pwede din tayong magtagumpay sa sariling bayan natin," she added.

Seminars on the modus of illegal recruiters and human traffickers were likewise given to raise awareness among the OFWs.

Participants also enjoyed a raffle draw which included prizes such as a house and lot, motorcycles, home appliances, and other gadgets. —Dona Magsino/LDF, GMA News