The Department of Agriculture (DA) launched the “Micro Agri-Kabuhayan para sa Balikbayan” program to aid the returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in starting their own businesses.
Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) Deputy Executive Director IV Ramon Yedra said based on their survey, the OFWs chose to engage in agri-business. He explained that the program aims to help returning OFWs to get back on their feet in the country.
Under the program, the overseas Filipinos will acquire knowledge on starting and running their chosen businesses through training and seminars.
“Una, tumutulong kami na magsabi sa kanila…Anong posible niyong pasukan? Kasi maraming OFWs—in the first place—hindi nila alam na kung anong pwede nilang pasukin,” Yedra said.
“Pangalawa, kung wala kang alam tungkol doon sa gusto mong puntahan ay pwede kang um-attend nung aming mga training programs. ‘Yan naman ay through the DA Agricultural Training Institute,” he added.
Yedra said the program does not only provide knowledge to the OFWs, but it also teaches how to earn and sell the products. He added that through the ACPC, they will offer loans with 0% interest.
“Kung may negosyo ka na, kami naman sa [Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service] AMAS [ay] handa pa rin kayong i-link. Halimbawa, gusto mong i-link sa buyer, ‘yan naman ang handa naming ituro sa kanila.
To strengthen and expand the program, the DA signed a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
“Ngayon kasi, mga 650,000 na ang OFWs na umuuwi, at nawalan ho sila ng trabaho. At hanggang ngayon, dahil may pandemic pa, kailangang magkaroon sila ng negosyo para maitawid ang kani-kanilang mga pamilya,” Yedra said.
He mentioned that the contact numbers and regions of the returning OFWs are in their database.
He explained that one of the most important roles of the OFWs to participate in the program is to operate their own business, even the loan application must be managed by the OFW. Yedra advised to acquire a certification from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) proving the person’s repatriation.
“Hihingi ka lang ng certification from OWWA na ikaw ay repatriated…kung anumang kadahilanan na ika’y bumalik sa Pilipinas.”
“Kami naman, ginagawan naming ng paraan na maitutulong naming para maibigay sa inyo lahat ng impormasyon na kailangan niyo, pero ang desisyon talaga kung ano ang dapat niyong gawing negosyo, agri-negosyo ay [nasa sa inyo],” Yedra said.
(DA, PTV)/NGS-rir
