DTI brings business services to OFWs in Laoag

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Ilocos Norte provided business assistance, financing information and consumer education to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families during a government convergence activity held at the Centennial Arena on October 22.

Dubbed "One Ilocos for Overseas Filipinos: Convergence Project," the activity brought together government services through the IAC-MOF Migrant Fair, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Serbisyo Caravan and Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Bagong Bayani ng Mundo-Nagkakaisang Rehiyon ng Norte (BBM-NRN) Fair.

According to DTI Ilocos Norte, the event served approximately 1,000 OWWA members, providing them with access to government programs, services and livelihood opportunities.

The agency offered assistance with business registration, business consultancy and information on loan programs available through the Small Business Corp. (SBCorp).

It also conducted consumer education activities to help participants make informed purchasing decisions.

The event featured locally made products from micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), giving local businesses an opportunity to promote their goods and reach potential customers.

DTI Ilocos Norte said the initiative supports efforts to encourage entrepreneurship among OFWs and their families while expanding market opportunities for local enterprises.

The convergence project is part of the government's efforts to bring services closer to overseas Filipinos and help them explore livelihood and business opportunities upon their return or while supporting their families in the Philippines.