Villar highlights value of investments in OFW future

Financial literacy, especially on investments and business start-ups, are important factors in ensuring that hard-earned incomes and savings of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are put to good use, Sen. Cynthia Villar said at the 8th OFW and Family Summit last Nov. 21.

Villar, in her capacity as director of the Villar Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance (Villar SIPAG), made the remark as she urged OFWs who attended the event to be financially-smart to ensure a better future for their families.

“I hope that you will practice all the lessons, tips and suggestions that you learned today from our finance experts. Use your incomes and savings wisely,” Villar said at the end of the Summit, which had as its theme, “OFW: Perang Pinaghirapan, Palaguin.”

EMPOWERING OUR OFWS. Senator Cynthia A. Villar leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony that ushers the opening of the 8th OFW and Family Summit at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. The summit, with the theme, OFW: Perang Pinaghirapan, Palaguin, aims to provide our OFWs and their family the tools to guide them in protecting their hard-earned money and savings to ensure a better future. The senator was joined by (L-R) Engr. Albert Paredes, Pasay Mayor Tony Calixto COS, Vista Land Director Camille Villar, Trade Sec. Ramon Lopez,  Pasay Rep. Emy Calixto-Rubiano  and Fr. Anton Pascual of Radio Veritas. Media partners for the summit are Magic 89.9, RMN, Wanted sa Radyo 5, Radyo 5 92.3, DWIZ, DZMM, DZRH, DZBB, 105.1 Crossover, Play FM 99.5, Wave 89.1, Jam 88.3, Tiger 22, Eagle Broadcasting Corporation, SMNI, UNTV, Wish 107.1, WOWOWIN GMA7, The Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin and Business Mirror.

“Always remember that you worked abroad to ensure a better future for your family. So you should know how to spend your earnings smartly. Invest your savings. Put up small businesses. Do not throw your money away on unnecessary luxuries,” Villar added.

The 8th OFW and Family Summit was held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. It was attended by OFWs and their beneficiaries, such as spouse, children, parents or siblings.

The activity was opened by Secretary Mark Villar, Department of Public Works and Highways and Camille Villar, Director of Vista Land.

Experts were invited to discuss various subjects such as financial literacy; business start-ups and financing facilities; new business opportunities such as farming, franchising and online selling; career development program; and OFW-turned-entrepreneur success stories.

Among the personalities who will share their expertise on managing the hard-earned money are Chinkee Tan, Father Anton from Cooperatives, Anthony Robles from the Development Bank of the Philippines and Joselito Guttierez from Land Bank of the Philippines. This discussion will center on growing of one’s earnings.  At the same time, tips will be given on where to get additional financial support should they opt to go into entrepreneurship.

Like in previous summits, OFWs turned successful entrepreneurs will also be featured such as Spa Owner Yco Tan, Software Company Founder Myrna Padilla, Farm Owner and Chef Roy Resurrection, and Farm Owner Engr. Edelissa Ramos.

Discussions will also center on new business opportunities in farming, franchising & online selling with Lea Santiago (Sikat), Roanne Angeles (Crystal Clear), and Krizzia Loyang (Food Kiosks).

Susan “Toots” Ople of the Ople Center will lead the discussion on OFW concerns such as spotting a scam, finding accredited agencies, OFW rights and avoiding illegal recruitment. The panelists include Usec. Emmeline Aglipay – Villar of the Department of Justice- IACAT, Deputy Admin. Arnell Ignacio of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Usec. Sarah Lou Y. Arriola of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Atty. Lynda Llave of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration and Usec. Jacinto V. Paras of the Department of Labor and Employment.