Cebu hosts mini-trade fair for OFW entrepreneurs

The Department of Migrant Workers in Central Visayas hosted a mini-trade fair for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from March 17 to 21 in Cebu City. This event, called the Kabayan Trade Fair, aimed to celebrate National Women’s Month and promote local products made by OFWs. Three entrepreneurs were featured at the trade fair, including Rhona Mae Quijano, who sells homemade banana chips, Yuri Jordan Cañete, who runs a pastry business, and Lisa Rollon, known for her special kakanin. The DMW-7 emphasized the fair as a way to help OFWs reintegrate into their communities and support their local businesses. Yuri Jordan Cañete and his wife, Mary Ann, are among those who have returned to the Philippines after working overseas for 15 years. They took over the pastry business started by Yuri’s sister during the pandemic. They received support from the DMW's program, including P10,000 in livelihood assistance, which has helped them sustain their business. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-7) announced that the trade fair participants will receive more assistance to help grow their businesses. DOLE-7 Director Roy Buenafe stated that they will prioritize support for these OFWs to ensure they succeed in their enterprises. DMW-7 officials believe that this support will lead to meaningful change for the returning OFWs. The department partnered with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and other local agencies to organize the trade fair and provide resources for the entrepreneurs.