The Department of Agriculture on Wednesday signed an agreement with the Department of Migrant Workers to assist millions of overseas Filipino workers find alternative livelihood in the Philippines, particularly in agriculture and agro- enterprises.
“The DA and its attached bureaus and agencies are fully committed to promote programs, projects, and activities that cultivate prospective agripreneurs. We pledge to offer technical assistance, agri-loan and credit services, agribusiness training, market linkage, and information materials. Our efforts will be harmonized with those of the DMW to ensure the successful implementation of this initiative,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. said in ceremonies formalizing their memorandum of agreement.
Around one-tenth of Filipinos live and work overseas, sending home tens of billions in foreign exchange that support consumer spending and fuel economic activity. Many endure the loneliness of being away from family and friends, and long to find better-paying jobs or invest in businesses in the Philippines to be with their loved ones while ensuring them a brighter future.
“We strive to honor the sacrifices and hard work of our OFWs by providing them with viable job opportunities in the country. Ultimately, we hope to see our OFWs prosper in Philippine agriculture and agribusiness,” the DA chief said.
The DA’s four-year masterplan to modernize Philippine agriculture envisages a farm sector that would provide decent returns for those who invest in farming ventures and agri-businesses. The trade deficit in agricultural products last year totaled more than USD11 billion, or more than P660 billion. DA sees an enormous market for would-be agripreneurs and investors in agriculture due to growing demand brought about by a growing population and increasing tourist arrivals.
Tiu Laurel is hopeful the DA-DMW collaboration will help realize President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision of a Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas, where OFWs find equally significant opportunities in the Philippines as they do abroad, and where they are cared for and supported by the government.
