PASAY CITY, Metro Manila – Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), together with their families, convened for the 7th OFW and Family Summit led by the Villar Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance (Villar SIPAG).

With the theme "Kabuhayan sa Agrikultura para sa Pamilyang OFW", the summit featured OFWs who succeeded in agripreneurship. Discussions on mechanization, modern farming, microfinancing, and farm schools were also conducted to provide livelihood opportunities to OFWs in the field of agriculture.

Senator Cynthia Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, pointed out that there are opportunities in agriculture for our OFWs which will enable them and their families to improve their living.

"Our ultimate dream is to see the day when our kababayans are no longer compelled by lack of local opportunities to work abroad. With various opportunities in agriculture and our government’s renewed commitment to support this sector, that dream could become a reality sooner than we all think,” Villar said.

The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) took part in the event with an exhibit of information, education, and communication materials on different farming technologies. Dr. Luz Taposok, ATI's OIC-Director, also spoke at the event on the Learning Sites program of the Institute.

"We partner with farmers and farm owners to register their farms as Learning Sites. We have 357 learning sites as of today who serve as venues for training, farm tours, and interactions between farmers, agri-extension workers, experts, and other partners," Taposok said.

The 7th OFW and Family Summit was held last November 22 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City.