The Department of Agriculture (DA) is calling on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) planning permanent return to pursue agribusiness as both livelihood and national contribution.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., speaking Sunday, framed agriculture not just as an enterprise, but as a path toward food security and nation-building. The push followed a joint DA–Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) forum held last week in South Korea, paired with a farm technology tour, and formalized through a memorandum of agreement to expand agricultural support services for OFWs.
The forum outlined government financing, training, market linkage, and other assistance. Assistant Secretary Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra emphasized modern, tech-driven agriculture—stressing the sector has evolved beyond traditional farming into a dynamic, sustainable income-generating industry.
The drive builds on a 2025 DA order designating OFWs as priority agribusiness investors, aiming to inject fresh capital, expertise, and entrepreneurship into the sector.
The Philippine delegation visited Wanju’s agricultural technology center and a smart strawberry farm, where eight seasonal workers from Mina, Iloilo are employed. The facility showcases automated environmental controls, fertigation, and smart pest management—technologies targeted for local adaptation. Wanju currently hosts 278 Filipino workers from six LGUs.
DA is also exploring technology-exposure placements in South Korea for young farmers under the Young Farmers Challenge Program, in coordination with the Department of Migrant Workers and local governments. The broader goal: turning overseas experience into homegrown agri-enterprise success.
