Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Hong Kong and Macao were recently urged to look into agribusiness as a pathway for long-term stability and a meaningful return home.
More than 200 OFWs attended the “Usapang Agribiz Forum,” organized by the Department of Agriculture’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (DA-AMAS) alongside the Office of the Agriculture Counselor to China and the Department of Migrant Workers. The initiative aims to inspire Filipino workers abroad to invest in agriculture and consider it a viable livelihood upon returning to the Philippines.
DA Assistant Secretary Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra emphasized the deeper purpose of the forum: “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 the country.”
Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime FlorCruz also highlighted the value of growing one’s finances: “It is important that we earn money, it is important that we save money, but the most important thing is to grow our savings.” He added that agribusiness remains a solid option in an agricultural country like the Philippines.
Two former OFWs, Cecilia Corpus and Rebecca Tubongbanua, shared their journeys from working abroad to becoming successful agripreneurs. With government support, Corpus now runs RP Corpus Sales Enterprise in Central Luzon, while Tubongbanua established McNester Food Products in Western Visayas.
The forum provided in-depth guidance on farming opportunities in poultry, livestock, fruits, and high-value crops, with presentations from DA experts. Attendees were also introduced to financing options, insurance programs, and capacity-building services tailored to small-scale agribusinesses.
The DA said this effort supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s push to recognize OFWs not just as remittance earners, but as critical partners in building a sustainable and food-secure Philippines.