HONG KONG (June 29, 2025)—In Macao and Hong Kong—home-away-from-home for tens of thousands of our modern-day heroes—Overseas Filipino Workers were offered more than applause last weekend; they received a stirring call to transform their hard-earned remittances into roots, their sacrifices into soil, and their future into fields ripe with possibility.
The Department of Agriculture–Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (DA-AMAS), in partnership with the Office of the Agriculture Counsellor to China and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), rolled out Usapang Agribiz: Forum on Agribusiness Opportunities in the Philippines in Macau in June 28 and in Hong Kong on June 29.
The two-day, twin-city event drew a combined 214 participants—87 in Macao and 127 in Hong Kong—all eager to explore agribusiness as a bridge back home and a reason to stay for good. Through practical guidance, compelling success stories, and a clear show of government support, the sessions opened new doors for OFWs ready to turn their homecoming into a thriving agricultural venture.
The initiative is part of the broader commitment of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to honor OFWs not only as vital contributors to the Philippine economy, but also as future pillars of rural development and food security.
With over 138,000 OFWs in Hong Kong and more than 26,000 in Macao, these locations were chosen for their strong overseas Filipino communities and potential for reintegration initiatives to take root. Through Usapang Agribiz, participants discovered that the road to becoming an agripreneur is more accessible than ever.
Atty. Genevieve E. Velicaria-Guevarra, Assistant Secretary for Agribusiness, Marketing, and Consumer Affairs, led the Philippine delegation. In her opening remarks, she highlighted the mission to turn returning OFWs into empowered business owners.
“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 our country,” she said.
Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime A. FlorCruz added a heartfelt reminder of the country’s agricultural roots: “Mahalaga na tayo ay kumikita, mahalaga na tayo ay nag-iipon, pero ang pinakamahalaga ay mapalago ang ating iniipon. Bakit mag-agribusiness? Ang Pilipinas ay isa pa ring agricultural na bansa.”
The fora also featured inspiring stories of transformation.
Cecilia Corpus, owner of RP Corpus Sales Enterprise in Central Luzon, and Rebecca Tubongbanua, founder of McNester Food Products in Western Visayas, both shared how they turned years of overseas work into thriving agribusiness ventures with the help of government programs in product development, processing, and promotion.
Participants also gained in-depth knowledge of concrete investment opportunities in key agricultural sectors.
Dr. Rene C. Santiago from the Bureau of Animal Industry outlined potential business models in poultry and livestock production. Engr. Regine Patino of the High Value Crops Development Program discussed promising investments in fruits, vegetables, and other high-value crops.
Training and upskilling were also emphasized.
Engr. Remelyn Recoter, Director of the Agricultural Training Institute, presented available capacity-building programs and extension services aimed at equipping OFWs and their families with practical agricultural know-how.
Magdalena Casuga from the Agricultural Credit Policy Council introduced a suite of financing options tailored to agripreneurs, while Segundo Guerrero Jr. of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation detailed risk management tools and insurance programs for small-scale agribusinesses.
As a follow-through, DA-AMAS will continue to provide technical assistance, mentoring, and market linkages to support OFWs as they begin their entrepreneurial journeys in the agriculture sector.
More than just a seminar, Usapang Agribiz marked a shift in mindset—empowering OFWs to come home not just with savings, but with purpose and a plan. With renewed confidence, strong inter-agency support, and clear investment pathways, returning Filipinos are now better equipped to become key players in revitalizing Philippine agriculture. ### (By John Romar Pedrigal, DA-AMAS)
