Villar SIPAG cites OFW ‘agri-preneurs’

Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who succeeded in their agricultural ventures took center stage during the 7th OFW and Family Summit held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Sen. Cynthia Villar, chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture and Food and director of the organization behind the annual holding of the summit, Villar Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance (Villar SIPAG), said summit attendees were inspired by the experiences shared by agriculture entrepreneurs or ‘agri-preneurs’.

“Our ultimate dream is to see the day when our kababayans are no longer compelled by lack of local opportunities to work abroad and leave their loved ones behind. With various opportunities sprouting from agriculture, that dream could become a reality sooner than we all think,” Villar said during the event supported by the Manila Bulletin.

OFW agri-preneurs featured in the summit were Gigi Morris, president and school director of Moca Family Farm Learning Center in Padre Garcia, Batangas; Joel Frago, owner of Forest Wood Farm and Garden in San Pablo City, Laguna and Rafael Teraoka Dacones, owner of the Teraoka Family Farm in Mangatarem, Pangasinan.

This year’s OFW and Family Summit focused on extending livelihood opportunities to OFws in agriculture.

“The prospect for agriculture is promising with our government’s renewed commitment to support this sector. We are also starting to reap the benefits of our legislative efforts to train our farmers on modern farming techniques and financial know-how,” Villar said.

The one-day summit with the theme “Kabuhayan sa Agrikultura para sa Pamilyang OFW,” opened with a welcome message from Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar, followed by a message from former Senate President Manny Villar, also founding chairman of Villar SIPAG. Sen. Cynthia Villar closed the activity with a speech and the awarding of the Camella House and Lot raffle prize.