TARLAC CITY (PIA) -- Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) capacitated a total of 20 former Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from barangay Poblacion Norte in Mayantoc, Tarlac.
 
They attended an Entrepreneurial Mind-Setting Seminar and Skills Training on Sweet Potato Processing. 
 
DTI OIC-Provincial Director Florencia Balilo said the activity aims to empower the beneficiaries in generating employment, increasing livelihood opportunities in their community, and initiating economic development. 

“We acknowledge the hard work of our OFWs. Now that they plan to stay for good in their hometown, it is our privilege to assist them as they venture into the business that they are interested in. We hope that this learning opportunity will spur investment in their community and generate jobs as well,” Balilo added.

During the training, Negosyo Center Mayantoc Business Counselor Jhoy Alouh Pangilinan talked about the characteristics of an entrepreneur, along with the basics and importance of entrepreneurship in the community and the economy. 

Meanwhile, resource person Arceli Oriondo demonstrated the process of making chips, jam, confectioneries, and snacks using sweet potato as the main ingredient. 

Apart from the training for the beneficiaries from Poblacion Norte, DTI Tarlac also held a separate skills training on longganisa and tocino making for a group of ex-OFWs in barangay Calabtangan. 
 
These are  part of the commitment of DTI Tarlac to help OFWs and ex-OFWs embark in the business industry through Negosyo Centers present in all towns and city of the province. (CLJD/TJBM-PIA 3)