The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) participated in the national launch of the ‘Agri-Negosyo Para sa Overseas Filipino Workers’ (OFWs) Program held online on March 16, 2021.
Agri-Negosyo Para sa OFWs is a banner program of the Interagency Task Force on Food Security, Sub Task Group on Agribusiness (STGA) that serves as a one-stop shop of information for OFWs who may be interested in agriculture and agribusiness-related programs and services of various government agencies. This is part of the government’s response to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on livelihood and employment of many Filipinos, including OFWs who had to be repatriated or had decided to come home.
DOST-PCAARRD’s Technology Transfer and Promotion Division Director Noel A. Catibog presented PCAARRD-supported agricultural technologies and innovations, which OFWs can invest in to start modern and high-value agribusinesses. He shared the National Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubation Program, Project SARAi (Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry), itikPINAS, MangifeTek Integrated Postharvest Facility for Mango, Portable Mango Sprayer, Dwarf Saba Strain, Rice Harvester Attachment (RHA), Rice Transplanter Attachment (RTA), Nutrio® Biofertilizer, FertiGroe®, Non-Destructive Moisture Meter for Coffee, and Stabilized Brown Rice (SBR).
Other topics featured during the national launch are the processes of starting and operating an agribusiness, highlighting opportunities in the coffee industry, capacity building and financing programs, and marketing and promotion programs that OFWs may avail of.
Aside from Catibog, other speakers during the launch were Secretary William D. Dar of the Department of Agriculture, Secretary Ramon M. Lopez of the Department of Trade and Industry, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director General Isidro S. Lapeña, and the Chairpersons of the STGA, DTI Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba, and DA Undersecretary Cherryl Marie Caballero.
The launch also kick-started the implementation of the project in priority regions with the highest number of repatriated OFWs, such as the National Capital Region and CALABARZON. Following the successful rollout of the AgriNegosyo Para sa OFWs, AgriNegosyo Teams will be formed in the pilot regions. Members will undergo capability building to enhance collaboration and networking of the different agencies in the region. As a result of the training, the AgriNegosyo Teams are expected to establish a system that will integrate the programs and services of agencies involved.
The Agribusiness Portfolio, a joint publication of the agencies involved in the program, which can be downloaded at https://tinyurl.com/AgribizPortfolio, contains basic information that will guide a person on the business registration process, qualifications in availing of the most applicable credit facilities, access to training and seminars, contact details of persons or offices in-charge, and other relevant information