View source for DOLE, NRCO launch 2018 seafarers' business plan competition

*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1009772
*Friday, July 6, 2018
:By Hazel F. Gloria  (hfg with report from Jan Karla Madrio/PIA7). 

CEBU CITY (PIA) --- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), in partnership with the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), launches the regional-leg of the 4th Integrated Seafarers of the Philippines (ISP) Business Plan Competition.

The Central Visayas launching was held last June 27 at the SM City Cebu Activity Center with the theme, "Harnessing Seafarers' Capacities for Business Enterprises Development".

The competition which has been running for four years, is an opportunity for Filipino seafarers, who wish to venture into business.

By converting their ideas into business plan and proposal, seafarers may win cash prizes that they may use as capital to start their own business.

In addition, the competition is also aimed not just as a practical tool for building the business capacity of qualified seafarers, it is also geared towards creating job opportunities, according to DOLE.   

Last year, two Cebuanos made it as national finalists of the NRCO-ISP business plan competition. 

According to OWWA, this competition is targeting seafarers since this workforce have the capability to produce business capital, but are in need of guidance in their financial management. 

The competition is open to Filipino seafarers who are at least 25 years old and may be active or inactive in duty.

Participants may also join either solo, in pairs or by group with a maximum of three.

Submission of business plans and proposals are accepted until September 07, 2018.

Participants must complete an entry form, which is downloadable at the NRCO website (www.nrco.dole.gov.ph) to enter the competition.