Juju M. Empuerto
CEBU CITY, July 25 (PIA) --- All active and inactive
seafarers are invited to join the 2016 National Reintegration Center for OFWs
(NRCO) and Integrated Seafarers of the Philippines (ISP) Business Plan
Competition, said NRCO-7 Regional Coordinator Dexter Paro.
In a report to DOLE-7 Regional Director Exequiel Sarcauga,
Paro said the business plan competition aims to foster development of new
businesses in the countryside or in the hometowns of the seafarers and their
families.
“With this activity, we hope to raise awareness among seafarers to
invest as social entrepreneurs using their talents, skills, and knowledge
gained from working overseas,” he said.
He added that through the activity, potential seafarers and their
families intending to set up their own business might be provided with the help
they need to develop viable business plans and ideas and turn them into
business solutions to real social problems in their hometown or
community.
“We also hope to create a database of business plans for future
policy and research purposes and help winning entrants access finance and other
services required putting their business plans into practice,” said Paro.
The business plan competition is open to active seafarers
especially those who are planning to retire from sea life and are interested to
venture into entrepreneurship.
Seafarers who have been in the Philippines for not more than five
years are likewise encouraged to join.
“We will accept solo participants, those in pairs or by groups
composed of a minimum of three members. Entrants must be Filipino and
should be 25 years old and above,” he added.
Entrants who will not be able to attend the competition are
reminded to have at least one official representative, preferably an immediate
family member, who will handle all the tasks and activities required in the
competition.
Aspirants are to fill out an entry form which can also be accessed
and downloaded from www.nrco.dole.gove.ph.
Paro emphasized that the competition is open to “start-up
business” only.
Agribusiness is strongly encouraged as a business plan idea.
“We are inviting interested seafarers and their families to attend
the grand launching for Visayas on 28 July 2016 at Hotel Elizabeth Cebu,
Kamputhaw, Cebu City,” he said.
Ten entrants will be selected nationwide, who will be given
opportunity to enhance and strengthen their business plans. One winner will be
awarded with P500,000 grand prize.
Interested seafarers are encouraged to visit the NRCO office
located at the 3rd Floor of DOLE-7 Building, General Maxilom Avenue Corner
Gorordo Avenue, Cebu City or through telephone numbers (032) 266-2792 and
(032) 416-6167 or ro7.nrco@gmail.com. . (rmn/jsme/PIA7-Cebu/DOLE7)
- See
more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1071469430220/p500t-grand-prize-awaits-seafarers#sthash.ZSunZTey.dpuf