The Provincial Government of Cavite as part of its migration and development program spearheaded the conduct of the 1st Cavite Overseas Filipinos Summit to celebrate and recognize the contribution of the so-called modern day heroes, share success stories and opportunities for livelihood and push for a more comprehensive development agenda for OFs and their families. Five hundred eighty-six (586) participants from the different cities and municipalities in Cavite representing different OF organizations, government agencies, private enterprises, and OF groups by their respective LGUs joined the event.
With the tagline, “Embrace the Future for Overseas Filipinos”, the event envisions a bright future for OFs which was stressed by Mr. Alvin Mojica, Provincial Administrator for Community Affairs in his welcome message assuring the participants that the provincial government never ceases to initiate programs for the welfare of OFs and their families.
In the same manner, Caviteño OFs were praised by Indang Councilor Ping Remulla, who delivered the message on behalf of Governor Boying Remulla citing that the PGC seeks to empower OFs by championing success stories that will inspire others to work harder to realize the vision of a progressive society. He also received an award on behalf of former Governor Jonvic Remulla which presented by the National Economic Development Authority for the migration and development initiatives in Cavite initiated during his term as chief executive officer of the province.
Assistant Regional Director Gina Gacusan of the Regional Development Council congratulated the provincial government for launching the summit. She stressed that OF programs are intended to protect those who leave despite the fact that the ultimate dream of Filipino families to live together, in order to provide better living conditions and future for those left behind.
During the event, the provincial government honored Dr. Perla Rizalina Maturan-Tayko as the Outstanding Caviteño OF for her exceptional achievements and contribution as a world-class educator in the area of organizational development. Dr. Tayko was also a recipient of Bagong Bayani Award and other equally prestigious accolades.
OF organizations were also recognized for their active participation and support to the provincial government’s programs while the LGUs present were recognized for their efforts in mainstreaming migration and development.
Provincial Director Noly Guevara of the Department of Trade and Industry-Cavite shared their department’s goal to provide services for returning OFs to help them start their own business including knowledge sharing, skills training, and capital sourcing thru partner cooperatives particularly the P3 program or Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso, a financing scheme of the national government to assist small and medium enterprises which was discussed further by Mr. JM Abarca.
To highlight the importance of cooperatives, Mr. Alberto Sabarias, Senior Cooperative Development Specialist from the Cooperative Development Authority observed the seemingly recurring cycle of mismanaged OF finances and talked about the negative social implications of migration to families, and how small entrepreneurs rely on high-interest lending schemes to finance their business. He cited that investing in cooperatives OFs can help OFs break away from the cycle and sustain their livelihood without having to return overseas.
Board Member Kerby Salazar also graced the event in support of the migration and development efforts of the provincial government and cited some legislations that are being crafted by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to further address the needs of Caviteño OFs.
The afternoon session was packed with learning from testimonials about migration and success stories of entrepreneurs who started small but made it big in business. Among the speakers was Father Art Balagat, Chairperson the Provincial Cooperative Development Council who was also an OF and shared firsthand accounts of the plight of Filipinos living and working overseas. He now advocates for the cooperative movement in Cavite and owns the Café Monzon in Imus. Other speakers were Ms. Myrna Alonsagay of MM Mushroom, Ms. Olivia Lansang of Olivia’s Coffee, Ms. Em Cruz of Take Away Sisig, Ms. Josefina Cruz of Adelco Travel & Tours and Ms. Maricel Bagadiong of Health Lemon. Mr. Rafael Canare, Executive Director of the Association of Filipino Franchisers, Inc. shared some business opportunities and awarded certificates waiving the franchising fee for Reyes Haircutters salon franchise to six lucky OFs in attendance. Aside from the free franchising fee, the six winners will be assisted in the whole business development and operation should they decide to put up the salon franchise.
The program was also a venue for Cavite MSMEs to showcase locally made goods and harvest in a trade fair; coop clinic for OFs who wish to learn more about the advantages of forming cooperatives; and financial literacy mentoring for OFs from top insurance firms including AXA and Sunlife, to name a few. Participants were also treated to some surprise during the raffle of prizes from sponsors and the provincial government.
Capping the day’s event was a message from Ms. Myrna Sumilang of the Provincial Planning and Development Office and member of the Cavite Overseas Filipino Welfare Council extending gratitude to the OFs and all the stakeholders who supported the program.
Executive Order No. 19 Series of 2024