21 March 2021, Seoul. In another pioneering initiative, the Philippine Embassy in Seoul held the webinar launch of Promoting Entrepreneurship and Agribusiness to Filipinos in Korea, or “PEAK Pinoy” today, 21 March 2021 in Seoul.
PEAK Pinoy builds on the successes of entrepreneurship, agribusiness, livelihood and investment seminars conducted by the Embassy since 2018, through Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan (TNK) led by the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC); Kaalaman, Kabuhayan para sa Kinabukasan (KKK) led by Philippine Agriculture Office (PAO); and the National Reintegration Program led by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) – OWWA.
With PEAK Pinoy, the Embassy introduces an innovative and integrated approach to providing entrepreneurship and agribusiness seminars for Filipinos in Korea that is customized to their needs, featuring opportunities in the different regions of the Philippines and providing important linkages between Philippine-based offices and Filipinos even while they are still in Korea. On 18 March 2021, PTIC’s Commercial Counselor Jose Maria Dinsay, PAO’s Agriculture Attaché Maria Aleli Maghirang, and POLO’s Labor Attaché Ma. Celeste Valderrama signed an agreement to collaborate, develop and implement PEAK-Pinoy in the next two years. The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Embassy Charge d’ Affaires (CDA), a.i. Christian L. de Jesus, Welfare Officer Aniceta Deuna and Assistant Labor Attaché Terelou Pimentel.
In his opening message, CDA de Jesus said that the pandemic not only opened our eyes to the importance of early preparation of OFWs for their reintegration, but also of working together to help accelerate our country’s economic recovery. “Sa pamumuno ng ating Pangulong Rodrigo Roa Duterte, ang mga sangay ng ating pamahalaan tulad ng Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) at OWWA ay nagsanib pwersa sa layuning mas mapadali at mapalakas ang kakayanan ng mga mamamayan, lalo na ng ating mga returning overseas Filipinos, na mamuhunan at mag-negosyo sa ating bansa. Ang PEAK-Pinoy ay pagpapatunay na kasama ninyo ang inyong Embahada sa layuning ito”, the CDA said.
The program launching of PEAK Pinoy was participated in by special guests from DTI, DA and OWWA.
Unveiling the Agri-Negosyo Program for OFWs, DA Undersecretary Cheryl Marie Caballero presented how this one-stop shop facility on agriculture and agri-business related programs and services of DA, DTI, DOST, DILG and TESDA can assist returning
OFWs in starting and transforming traditional agriculture to more modern, high value agribusiness. “The DA is here to help you, in cooperation with concerned agencies, expedite the establishment of agri-businesses, especially amidst the pandemic when we have to surmount a number of challenges to achieve economic recovery,” Usec. Caballero said.
DTI Undersecretary Irineo Vizmonte cited the particularly keen interest of OFWs in Korea in entrepreneurship which was evident in the successful TNK seminar series ran by the PTIC. He encouraged the Filipinos in Korea to take advantage of every opportunity to develop entrepreneurial mindsets as they are in an ideal situation to learn from Korea being a leading country on technological innovation and marketing, and to generate capital for their future business. “PEAK Pinoy is a very apt title for this project because just like climbing peaks, starting a business needs you to focus on your goal and aim high”, Usec. Vizmonte said.
On the other hand, OWWA Administrator Hans Leo J. Cacdac lauded the Embassy and its attached agencies for launching PEAK Pinoy, which supports the National Reintegration Program for OFWs. He cited OWWA’s Enterprise and Loan Development and the TULONG Puso Programs which aim to encourage OFWs to go into business, whether agri-based or not. He urged the Filipinos in Korea to avail of the reintegration program for OFWs which, under the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte, has been considerably expanded and intensified.
The launching event also featured resource speakers who provided an overview of the various government services for overseas Filipinos. DTI Director Jerry Clavesillas presented the Guide for Starting a Business for OFWs, while DA Executive Director Jojo Badiola discussed the AgriNegosyo Financing Program for OFWs, and NRCO Director Roel Martin explained the DOLE OWWA Reintegration Program and Services for Returning OFWs.
“We are always thankful for all the webinars the Embassy provides us. These are very helpful for someone like me who is going home for-good this year,“ wrote J. Besilos, an OFW in Korea who was one of the 120 registered participants to the first PEAK Pinoy seminar series.
The Embassy announced that the succeeding PEAK Pinoy seminars which will focus on entrepreneurship and agrinegosyo opportunities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao will commence in May 2021. END
23 March 2021
