The 13th OFW and Family Summit, a landmark event for the OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) community and their families, was successfully held on November 8, 2024, at The Tent at Vista Global South, Las Piñas City. Organized by the Villar Foundation, this year’s summit, themed "Tara, Magnegosyo Na!" encouraged attendees to explore entrepreneurship, arming them with vital knowledge and resources to kickstart or expand their business ventures.

As media partners for the summit, WorkAbroad.ph proudly joined over 4,000 OFWs and family members who registered to gain insights into business opportunities, investment strategies, and practical guidance from a diverse panel of successful entrepreneurs and representatives from government agencies.

Event Overview

The summit featured a series of enlightening sessions, each geared towards helping OFWs and their families on the path to entrepreneurship, regardless of their business experience or level of expertise.

Session 1: "Idea… Idea… Idea…"

In this opening session, the panelists highlighted the importance of starting with a single idea. Speakers encouraged participants to pursue a business concept they are passionate about, even if they aren’t yet experts in the field. The panelists stressed that skills and expertise can be developed along the way, as long as there’s commitment to the idea.

Mr. Richard Bajador (Chef Mechanic of Lami Chicharon), Mr. Melvin Awid (UF Vanilla Farm), and Mr. Norlito Villaruel (Express Learn Training Center) each shared their journeys, demonstrating that a strong initial idea, backed by passion, is a powerful starting point for any business.

Session 2: "Negosyo Mo, Simulan Natin"

Focusing on how to turn ideas into actionable business plans, this session provided a practical roadmap for OFWs and their families to start their entrepreneurial journeys. The speakers included representatives from key government agencies that support small business development.

Ms. Rowena D.B. San Jose (Division Chief, Department of Trade and Industry), Mr. Jose Aryiel Castor (Operations Manager, Overseas Filipino Bank), and Ms. Janine Soria (TESDA) offered resources and support programs available to aspiring entrepreneurs. Their insights empowered attendees to take the first steps in setting up their businesses, equipped with resources for funding, training, and skills development.

Session 3: "Palaki Nang Palaki Nang Palaki!"

The final session focused on growth and scaling, showing how small business ideas could evolve into thriving enterprises. Former OFWs who had achieved entrepreneurial success shared their stories, emphasizing resilience, strategic planning, and community engagement as essential growth strategies.

Mr. Carlo Calimon (Start Up Village), vlogger Mr. Edward Nantes (ByaheNiEdward), couple Mr. And Mrs. Rommel and Grace Mel (Karsa PH), and Ms. Kathleen Espinol (Platito Corazon Magzryl Chef Food House) shared how they overcame obstacles and steadily expanded their ventures. Each success story underscored that OFWs have the potential not only to start a business but to grow it into a sustainable enterprise that can create jobs and stimulate local economies.

The summit sessions were moderated by Mr. Arnel Ignacio, Administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), who brought energy and insight to each discussion.

Inspiration for OFWs and Their Families

This year’s summit honored the remarkable contributions of OFWs to society by empowering them to transition into successful business owners. Through practical advice, shared experiences, and government support, the event provided attendees with a roadmap for achieving financial independence and stability. The Villar Foundation’s efforts in organizing this event highlight the essential role that entrepreneurship plays in reintegrating OFWs and their families back into the local economy, enabling them to thrive in their communities.

The 13th OFW and Family Summit was a resounding success, leaving participants motivated to embrace the call of "Tara, Magnegosyo Na!" and begin their journey towards sustainable livelihoods and a brighter future for their families.