Displaced, returning OFWs urged to turn to agri-entrepreneurship

FILE:  Cynthia Villar (Photo: Cynthia Villar/Facebook)

MANILA — A senator on Wednesday encouraged returning and displaced overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to turn to the agriculture sector for jobs.

“The agriculture sector can very much provide jobs to OFWs displaced by the downturn in the petroleum industry,” Senator Cynthia Villar said in a press conference.

Villar, chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, said more and more OFWs are being attracted to invest in the production of high-value crops and in agri-business.

The senator, who is also director of the Villar Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance (Villar SIPAG), said that this was owing to the renewed commitment of the government to support the agriculture sector.

She said the public is also starting to reap the benefits from legislative efforts to train farmers on modern farming techniques and financial know-how.

Villar’s foundation is set to lead a summit that will focus on giving livelihood OFWs in agriculture.

Slated on November 22 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, the 7th OFW and Family Summit will put on centerstage OFWs who turned successful entrepreneurs in agriculture or “agri-preneurs.”

Villar said that the activity is open for all OFWs or beneficiaries such as spouse, children, parents or siblings of OFWs.

Registration is free upon presentation of a photocopy of passport, proof of remittance, seaman’s book, job contract and proof of kinship to OFW such as marriage certificate or birth certificate. Online registration is also available.

Attendees will also have the chance to win a house and lot from Camella, a motorcycle from K Servico, Kettle Korn Cart, Pangkabuhayan Showcase from All Day Supermarket, and Appliance Showcase from All Home and Savers Appliance Depot.