New agri-business program for OFWs launched in Dubai

A new agricultural business program was launched by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Dubai to help OFWs reintegrate and eventually provide employment in their hometowns and communities.
The Dubai Entrepinoy Reintegration Program is designed to help OFWs in Dubai and Northern Emirates by involving them in the production of organic rice at the municipality of M'lang, North Cotabato, one of the poorest provinces in the Philippines.
Labor Attaché Ofelia Domingo said OFWs willing to become investors in the program will be taught how to manage the "marketing, distribution and financing" portion of the venture.
They will also be allocated parts of the159 hectares of rice land owned by POLO-Dubai partner Don Bosco Multipurpose Cooperative (DBMC) in M'lang to enable the production of organic and halal rice.
Domingo said the program seeks to "develop, implement, and evolve progressive and responsive reintegration programs for OFWs" that will maximize the benefits of migration for their families and their communities' needs.
A briefing was held with the first 15 investors on organic farming and marketing at the POLO-Dubai by DBMC general manager Romano Laurilla prior to its launch.
Laurilla believes the program will promote health among farmers and consumers and preserve the environment as only organic fertilizers and pesticides will only be used in the rice production.
Partnered with POLO-Dubai for the project are DBMC, Filipino Human Resources Practitioners’ Association, and the Philippine Consulate General Dubai and Northern Emirates. —Rie Takumi/KBK, GMA News

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