DMW, DTI ink pact to help OFWs start a business

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MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Migrant Workers is joining forces with the Department of Trade and Industry to train overseas Filipino workers on how to start and maintain a business.

To mark the 28th National Migrant Workers’ Day, DMW said it signed an agreement with the DTI to help returning OFWs “create sustainable sources of income through entrepreneurship, sound investments or by landing a better job here at home.”

“Through DTI, our OFW – entrepreneurs and/or their families would be able to access business training and mentorship programs that would enable them to stay together while also providing jobs to others,” DMW chief Susan Ople said in a statement.

The DMW – DTI deal provides for the following:

• Assistance in the business registration process
• Inclusion of OFWs and their families in DTI’s business training and development programs
• Financial literacy training courses in DMW in the country and across the globe
• Avenue for OFWs’ products and services to be showcased in DTI trade fairs
• Link between OFW companies, products and services, and large companies and government agencies

A certificate will also be issued to OFWs or members of their families who will complete the business training programs and have their businesses registered.

This, according to the DMW, will serve “as an endorsement to any livelihood or financial assistance” to be given to OFW beneficiaries.

DMW said it would soon identify, assess, and submit a list of potential OFW beneficiaries and applicants to avail of the DTI programs and services.

A technical working group with members from both the DTI and the DMW will also be formed  to monitor the implementation of the deal.

The group will likewise be tasked to work toward the deal’s expansion through the Migrant Workers Offices across the globe and with the help of local governments.

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JPV