PAGADIAN CITY - The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration IX (OWWA-9) in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), and in partnership with Department of Labor and Employment Zamboanga del Sur Field Office (DOLE-ZDSFO) conducted a two-day entrepreneurship and organizational development training for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families last February 23-24, at Roxan Hotel, this city.

In a video presentation, OWWA-9 Regional Director Hassan Gabra T. Jumdain said that the P2 billion Reintegration Program started in June 2011. It was launched by then President Benigno S. Aquino III to encourage OFWs to stay in the country and set up their own businesses.

Under the program, an OWWA member can borrow a non-collateralized loan in the amount ranging from P300, 000 to P2 million to be used for enterprise development through the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP).

The loan has an interest rate of 7.5 percent per annum, payable in five (5) years, with a grace period of two (2) years.

Newly assigned Family Welfare Officer for OWWA-Zamboanga del Sur Satellite Office Deogracias G. Budlong, Jr. said that aside from the P2 billion OFW Reintegration Program, OFWs can also avail of the so-called "Balik Pinas! Balik Hanap buhay!", one of the many programs of OWWA for overseas workers.It is a non-cash livelihood assistance with the aim to provide immediate relief to returning OFW members. Interested applicants shall be given Php10 thousand worth of starter kit to start a business.

On the other hand, Mr. Elvis Q. Dablo of the DTI Provincial Office lectured on entrepreneurship, while a representative from the Land Bank of the Philippines talked on the financing aspects of the program.

Some twenty five (25) participants composed of OFWs and their spouses attended the training.

HARDLine Publication, Pagadian City