FIVE government agencies have tied up to offer agribusiness training and support for repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

The Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Science and Technology, Technical and Skills Development Authority, and the National Economic Development Authority recently signed a joint memorandum circular for the launch of “Agri-Negosyo Para sa OFWs” program.

Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar said the joint memorandum circular will offer agribusiness-related programs and services from the five agencies to address the OFWs’ livelihood needs.

“This whole-of-government approach will be key to helping them succeed at the end of the day and there is much opportunity for us to challenge ourselves and encourage the OFWs to get engaged in micro, small and medium enterprises with our nurturing and support,” Mr. Dar said.

The DA said the Inter-Agency Task Force Food Security Sub-Task Group on Agribusiness will work with the Department of Labor and Employment and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration to identify OFWs, monitor, and implement the programs covered by the joint memorandum.

Meanwhile, Mr. Dar called on OFWs to consider venturing into agriculture and becoming agricultural entrepreneurs.

“One of the major strategies of DA to elevate the income opportunities of its stakeholders is to go beyond production and productivity by introducing agribusiness as the way forward,” Mr. Dar said. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

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