LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The Department of Science and Technology-Cordillera signed a memorandum of agreement with the departments of Agriculture and Trade and Industry to provide livelihood and business opportunities to entrepreneurs and overseas Filipino workers.
The convergence is part of the agencies’ response to the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic to agricultural entrepreneurs and OFWs in the region.
The partnership will provide technology-driven, resource-based livelihood activities, and business opportunities to address the needs of the affected sectors. A series of collaborative initiatives such as training, technology transfers, and online marketing campaigns will be implemented.
DOST-Cordillera Director Nancy Bantog, DA Regional Director Camero Odsey, and DTI Regional Director Myrna Pablo singed the MOA recently.
Under the agreement, DOST-Cordillera, which is assigned to direct and coordinate science and technology-related efforts in the development of programs and policies, will activate the Innovations for Filipinos Working Distantly from the Philippines (iFWD PH) to encourage OFW returnees to venture into technology-based enterprises.
It will also promote the smart food value chain program for food security and tap the support of Philippine Council Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development.
DA-Cordillera will ensure the sustainable livelihood of agriculture-based workers through goods, services, infrastructures, and institutions and encourage OFW returnees to pursue agri-based businesses.
DTI-Cordillera is expected to provide technical, financial, and marketing support to micro, small and medium enterprises and link them with the markets in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors for a more comprehensive approach, support OFW returnees through business start-up financing, and enhance e-commerce platforms in the region. – Press release
April 25, 2024
