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

The DMW and DA signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) late Wednesday at the DMW head office in Mandaluyong to assure comprehensive support and technical assistance to prospective OFWs who want to venture into agribusiness and make it their livelihood 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.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said 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. Our efforts will be harmonized with the DMW to ensure a successful implementation of this initiative,” Laurel said.

Under the MOU, the DMW and the DA will conduct entrepreneurship development training programs for OFWs and their families interested in entering the agribusiness sector.

They will also create forums and related activities for easier access and immediate response in case they have queries.

The DMW, meanwhile, 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 livelihood initiatives.

Simultaneously, the DA 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.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said reintegration is a key development agenda of the DMW.

Under the DMWs reintegration programs are packages of services and mechanisms that will help OFWs have a productive return to their families and communities.

Cacdac said OFWs are “co-architects” of the country’s economic development, even when they return to the Philippines and continue their labor journey in the country for good, and upon their completion of overseas employment.

“The agricultural sector is a worthwhile business and investment opportunity for our dear 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,” Cacdac said. (PNA)