The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) signed a partnership agreement on May 7, 2013, to implement joint and convergent projects and services for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who want to pursue agribusiness entrepreneurship, as part of DOLE’s National Reintegration Program for Overseas Filipino Workers (NRCO). Launched in 2011, the NCRO supports OFWs and their families who plan to set up businesses to maximize the gains of overseas employment and mitigate the social cost of migration.
The two departments will organize a Joint Special Action Team to implement the agreement, as well as monitor OFW agribusiness investments. DOLE regional desks — European, Middle East, and Asia — are being set up in the NCRO, while the DA’s eight agriculture attachés will help OFWs in their areas of jurisdiction.
The government sees the potentials of the agriculture sector, especially in creating jobs for Filipinos who can become agribusiness entrepreneurs who will not only invest money, but time, effort, and skills to modernize the agriculture sector. Agribusiness entrepreneurship is expected to reverse migration, as more OFWs are expected to return to the country to work and stay for good.
DOLE data showed that a growing number of OFWs became successful entrepreneurs. The intensified reintegration program this year generated 2,995 jobs from OFW businesses. The first quarter of 2013 recorded an increase in number of OFWs who availed themselves of the program for livelihood undertakings. OFW borrower-beneficiaries ventured into various businesses, such as trading of grains, agricultural and farm inputs, auto and motorcycle parts; general merchandise, dry goods, variety and retail stores; livestock raising, fishpond and/or fish, and egg production. They were provided loans under the NCRO to be used as seed money.
We congratulate the Department of Labor and Employment, headed by Secretary Rosalinda D. Baldoz, and the Department of Agriculture, led by Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, and other Officers and Personnel, in their partnership to unearth the entrepreneurial skills of overseas Filipino workers to help them become productive upon their return, as well as attain socio-economic progress for our local communities in the Republic of the Philippines.

Source: Manila Bulletin - July 20, 2013