Davao business sector sees returning OFWs as economic driver

DAVAO CITY, Jan. 10 (PNA) – The Davao business sector has observed that returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) could be tapped as the driver of the city's economy this year and beyond.

Simeon Marfori II, chair of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) said these returning OFWs enticed foreign retirees to come to the city that could spur economic activities.

He said information of these returning OFWs must be gathered because they have the information about the companies and the skills on how to go about this sector.

They could be also tapped as consultants, he added.

Marfori said government must take a look on this and study the scheme together with the stakeholders and private sector.

He observed that the exchange of inputs must be done right at the start the participation of the private sector is tapped at the tail-end when the legislation is almost complete.

"The approach must be holistic and to involve the different sectors," he said.

Marfori said the city's fair weather and good medical facilities are among the basic considerations that foreign retirees consider in locating for their retirement homes.