VARIOUS government agencies have signed an agreement to help displaced overseas Filipino workers and their families through the “Agri-Negosyo para sa OFWs” program.

The Departments of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Trade and Industry, and the National Economic Development Authority, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority signed a Joint Memorandum Circular on the implementation of the unified action for the integration of government programs and services in agri-business.

This will address the urgent need for livelihood of repatriated OFWs and develop the agriculture and fisheries sector.

TESDA chief Isidro Lapeña vowed full support to the program saying that the five government agencies that signed the agreement share the same goal of making the lives of OFWs easier as they rebuild their lives in the country.

“With this JMC forged among us, the concerns of OFWs related to agribusiness will be consolidated and simplified. We are hoping to efficiently address the urgent need for sources of livelihood and gainful employment of our repatriated OFWs,” he said.

As of November 22, about 331,145 OFWs have been repatriated

“Agri-Negosyo para sa OFWs” is a one-stop-shop of information for OFWs. It provides investment opportunities; assists in crafting business plans and studies; facilitates access to financing programs, trainings, available technology; and build network linkages.