MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA), through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS), has launched a two-day forum aimed at encouraging overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Hong Kong and Macau to explore opportunities in agribusiness as a reintegration strategy.
The DA held the “Usapang Agribiz: Forum on Agribusiness Opportunities in the Philippines” on June 28 in Macau and June 29 in Hong Kong, attracting a combined 214 participants —87 in Macau and 127 in Hong Kong.
The initiative forms part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s broader strategy to promote agricultural development and recognize OFWs not only as economic contributors but also as future drivers of food security and rural progress.
In a news release on Thursday, the DA said the event was done in partnership with the Office of the Agriculture Counsellor to China and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
The forum aimed to help OFWs transition into agripreneurship by providing information on agricultural investment opportunities, financing programs, technical training, and success stories of returning Filipinos who found success in agribusiness.
Agribusiness, Marketing, and Consumer Affairs Assistant Secretary Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra led the Philippine delegation.
She underscored the government’s commitment to empower OFWs as contributors to rural development and food security.
“Your hard work, remittances, and resilience keep our economy afloat. And now, by exploring agribusiness, you are taking the next bold step—not only in securing your future, but in ensuring food and nutrition security, rural development, and economic sustainability for our country,” she said.
Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime FlorCruz also expressed support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of investing in agricultural ventures.
“Mahalaga na tayo ay kumikita, mahalaga na tayo ay nag-iipon, pero ang pinakamahalaga ay mapalago ang ating iniipon. Bakit mag-agribusiness? Ang Pilipinas ay isa pa ring agricultural na bansa (It is important to earn and save. But the most important thing is to grow our savings. Why go into agribusiness? The Philippines remains an agricultural country),” FlorCruz said.
The forum featured resource speakers from various DA-attached agencies and successful agripreneurs. Cecilia Corpus and Rebecca Tubongbanua, both former OFWs, shared how they transformed their savings into profitable agribusinesses with government support.
Participants were also briefed on sector-specific opportunities. Bureau of Animal Industry representative Rene Santiago discussed livestock and poultry ventures, while High Value Crops Development Program representative Regine Patino highlighted the potential in fruit and vegetable production.
Agricultural Training Institute Director Remelyn Recoter presented available training programs, while Agricultural Credit Policy Council representative Magdalena Casuga introduced funding options tailored for agripreneurs.
Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation representative Segundo Guerrero Jr. discussed insurance options to mitigate risks in agribusiness.
The DA-AMAS said it will continue to offer technical assistance, mentorship, and market access to OFWs interested in starting their own agricultural enterprises.
With more than 138,000 OFWs in Hong Kong and over 26,000 in Macau, the locations were selected for their strong Filipino communities and potential for successful reintegration programs. (PNA)
