Press Release
November 14, 2014

Villar cites Agribusiness for the development Of the Country
and a Family in the 4th OFW and Family Summit

OVERSEAS Filipino Workers should gain new entrepreneurial skills, particularly in agribusiness, and that will be a focus in the 4th OFW and Family Summit 2014 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City on December 4, said Senator Cynthia A. Villar.

The summit, with the theme "Negosyo sa Agrikultura Para sa Ikauunlad ng Bansa at Pamilya," was organized by the senator's Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance (SIPAG) and GoNegosyo.

"This is a very inspiring and productive event because Filipino migrant workers and their family will be provided with knowledge and information on entrepreneurship to start their own businesses. They will be taught on how to intelligently invest their hard-earned money," stressed Villar.

Entrance to the summit, that would start 7am and end 4pm is for free. One just need to register online at ofwsummit2014.villarsipag.org

"Listen to the success stories of our 'entrepinoy' and be inspired and driven. Participants will also have the chance to win livelihood showcase and a lot from Camella Homes," further said Villar.

Villar, chair of the Senate Agriculture and Food committee, noted they decided to delve on agribusiness because of its extensive potential to spur economic growth and employment. It will also help in poverty alleviation.

She also sees agribusiness a boost to food security by addressing the escalating food prices.

She said agribusiness can be an option for OFWs who will decide to stay in the country for good; particularly those whose status cannot be legalized, and will opt return to their respective provinces and start their own businesses.

"We have to prepare them to ensure that they and their families can lead a comfortable life in the country even without going back to their jobs abroad. And indulging in agribusiness is one option.

With a small capital and a piece of land in their backyard, they start agribusiness," explained the senator.

Villar said providing OFWs the needed business know-how can help go back to the society and become "productive members" aside from ensuring protection for their hard-earned money.

"We want OFWs and their families to have an entrepreneurial mindset for them to invest their earnings or the remittances they get into profitable endeavor. We want them to have success stories, not sob stories that we often hear from distressed OFWs," said Villar.

Villar assured to support initiatives for sustainable production of agricultural communities.

According to the senator, they have invited speakers to give our OFWs and their families knowledge to embark on agribusiness and maintain its sustainability," said Villar.

Resource speakers from the emerging agribusiness markets, like Armando Bengco, Butz Bartolome, Tommany Tan, Brian Amante Belen among others, will discuss how they gain access to the industry, and keep it going.

Aside from agribusiness, speakers will also talk on OFW reintegration. The other topics are spotting business opportunities, financial literacy, franchising, direct selling, real estate salesmanship, product consignments, and distributorship.

The senator will give the closing remark in the summit, while her husband, former Manny Villar will give an inspirational talk. GoNegosyo's Joey Concepcion will deliver the opening remarks.

The corporate sponsors of the summit are Vista Land, Vista Residences, Camella Homes, All Day, Kettle Corn. Institutional partners include the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Overseas Workers' Welfare Administration (OWWA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and Blas Ople Policy Center, National Reintegration Center for OFWs and POEA. The media partners in the event are Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin, Business Mirror, DZRH, RadyoNatin, Wanted sa Radyo by RaffyTulfo and Niña Taduran of Radyo 5, Crossover 105.1, Tiger 22 (Jam 88.3, Magic 89.9, Play 99.5, Wave 89.1, KLite 103.5).

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