The Department of Trade and Industry Region 1 is encouraging displaced or returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to venture into business as opportunity for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) continue to expand and develop nowadays.

DTI Region 1 has already set-up OFW assistance desks at its Negosyo Centers all over the region to provide assistance to the OFWs, especially those affected by the economic crisis in Saudi Arabia and other countries.

Ms. Rosemary A. Quitos, Chief, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Division of DTI Region 1 said that services such as business advisory, consultation, trainings and even linkages to micro-financing institutions can be availed through the Negosyo Center-OFW assistance desks.

“We are here to assist them how to start a business depending on their interest and possible capital resources.” Quitos added.

There are 20 Negosyo Centers in the region. The setting up of OFW assistance desks is in compliance to the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte to use DTI’s MSME program in assisting displaced OFWs who are interested to start their own businesses.