In a bid to promote sustainable income opportunities for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Caraga, conducted an Information Caravan on the Reintegration Program at Robinsons Place, Butuan City on May 30.  

The event brought together various regional line agencies and private sector partners in a concerted effort to raise awareness of government support programs that empower returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to become successful entrepreneurs. 

At the heart of the initiative was the DA-Caraga’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), which presented agribusiness as a viable and profitable investment for OFWs. By promoting agriculture-based ventures, the program encourages OFWs to channel their hard-earned remittances into sustainable, income-generating activities that can contribute to rural development.  

DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director Arlan M. Mangelen encouraged OFWs and their families to register under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) and join Farmers’ Cooperative Associations (FCAs) to become eligible for services offered by the DA and its attached agencies and bureaus. 

To support aspiring agri-entrepreneurs, DA-Caraga provides access to start-up capital through partnerships with financial institutions and government financing programs such as the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF) Lending Program, Agriculture Credit Policy Council (ACPC) Lending Programs, and the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC). Additionally, DA-AMAD provides mentorship and business development support to help beneficiaries establish and grow their enterprises. 

Perlita Lumapas, a former OFW from Brgy. Villa Kananga, Butuan City, shared that she availed the ACPC’s Agri-Negosyo (ANYO) Loan Program. 

“The loan program helped finance my 3-hectare rice farm. Working abroad isn’t permanent, so I decided to come home and invest in rice production. I’m hoping to avail of another loan from DA-ACPC or ACEF because they offer lower interest rates,” she said. 

The caravan also underscored the importance of financial literacy in helping OFWs and their families make informed decisions, ensuring long-term economic stability and success. 

This initiative is part of President Marcos administration’s broader commitment to reintegrate OFWs into the national economy while fostering rural development and food security through increased participation in agribusiness and entrepreneurship. (Rhea C. Abao, Information Officer II, DA-RAFIS)