In a significant boost to local entrepreneurship, the Patnongon Active and Retired Overseas Filipino Workers Association (PAROFWA) in Antique has been awarded a PHP1 million grant by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). The funds, part of the Tulong PUSO program, will be disbursed in three phases, starting with an initial PHP200,000, followed by PHP500,000, and concluding with PHP300,000, contingent on the proper liquidation of the previous amounts.
PAROFWA’s president, Rowen Moscoso, announced that the association plans to invest the grant in a poultry and piggery supply business. The initiative aims to support the association’s 150 members, comprising both active OFWs and those who have returned home permanently. The association will lend the funds to its members to purchase necessary supplies, and in turn, will buy back their produce to sell in the market, thereby creating a sustainable cycle of support and income.
The ceremonial awarding of the grant will be led by OWWA Administrator Arnaldo Ignacio in Patnongon on January 28. In addition to this grant, PAROFWA is also anticipating a PHP300,000 assistance from the provincial government for a cacao production project. This project will involve planting cacao and processing its products into tablea or chocolate bars, further diversifying the income sources for the OFWs.
These livelihood projects are expected to provide significant additional income streams for the members of PAROFWA, enhancing their economic stability and contributing to the local economy of Antique.