THE Department of Agriculture (DA) in Western Visayas is urging overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the region, including their families, to engage in agri-business and become agripreneurs.

The regional line agency has assisted some 50 OFWs during an investment forum in Iloilo City recently.

It partnered with Atikha, a non-government organization that provides economic and social services to OFWs and their families.

Jieben Villarino of DA-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (Amad) said the activity aims to address the social cost of migration and to tap the development potential of migration.

This is to inform OFWs about agri-based business opportunities to expand their income and investment while at the same time supporting the agricultural development of the region, he added.

Six local entrepreneurs shared how the developed their agri-based products.

Meann Gonzales of Leganes, Iloilo talked on mushroom production and processing while Roberto Arroyo of Mambusao, Capiz discussed the tilapia production.

Other speakers included Jane Laxamana of Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo on bagoong, turmeric and peanut butter processing; Reina Manzan of Hamtic, Antique on organic rice and native chicken farming; Igredio Mones of Pototan, Iloilo on native swine raising; and Herminigaldo Alipat of Barotac Viejo on cacao production.

DA-Western Visayas, in a statement, said the investment forum was conducted in line with the Dinagyang Fiesta Fair 2020 themed “Aspire, Western Visayas! Level Up, Iloilo!”

This is also in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Agribusiness Support for Promotion and Investment for Regional Enterprises (Aspire) seeks to promote agri-based products and investments.

It also creates a venue for business networking and linkages of local agripreneurs, it added. (With reports from DA-Western Visayas)