For millions of Filipinos working abroad, the dream of returning home to build a better future often comes with uncertainty. Will the years of sacrifice overseas truly translate into a sustainable livelihood back in the Philippines? For Minda C. Teves, a former Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) who spent 33 years in Italy, the answer is a resounding yes.
With determination and the support of government reintegration programs, she successfully transitioned from working abroad to becoming a coconut farmer, agri-tourism entrepreneur, and community leader in her hometown of Cantilan, Surigao del Sur. Her story is not just about farming but about healing, renewal, and inspiring others to find opportunities in the Philippines.
Government Support for Returning OFWs
One of the keys to Teves’ success is the coordinated assistance from multiple government agencies designed to help OFWs reintegrate and thrive in local industries.
- The Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) Caraga certified her farm as a Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA). This recognition allowed her to conduct farmer field schools, hands-on training programs, and community workshops that empower local farmers with modern techniques.
- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provided mentoring on product development, packaging, and market expansion, ensuring that her coconut-based products—such as virgin coconut oil (VCO), coconut flour, and coconut sugar—could reach wider audiences, including international markets.
- The Department of Tourism (DOT) supported her transition into agri-tourism, positioning her farm as a destination for visitors who want to experience farm-to-table dining and eco-friendly tourism activities. Her signature Italian-inspired pizzas, made with fresh herbs grown on-site, have become a highlight for guests.
This multi-agency collaboration demonstrates how targeted government support can empower returning OFWs to create sustainable livelihoods and contribute to rural development in the Philippines.
Building More Than a Business: A Community Hub
Teves’ coconut farm has become more than just a private enterprise. With the help of these government programs, her farm now serves as a community hub where:
- Local farmers learn about sustainable agriculture and innovative coconut processing.
- Government agencies and NGOs partner for training and outreach activities.
- Tourists and visitors experience agri-tourism through hands-on farming, nature tours, and fresh local cuisine.
During the Coconut Techno Forum hosted on her farm, Teves expressed her gratitude:
“I am deeply grateful for the support of ATI, DTI, and DOT. Without their help, I would not have been able to turn this vision into reality. Farming is not just a livelihood—it is life itself. The money is here in our country if we are willing to work hard. Inspire before you expire!”
Healing and Renewal Through Farming
Behind the success of her enterprise is a personal story of resilience and healing.
In Italy, Teves trained as a midwife and later worked as a financial literacy advisor, helping fellow OFWs manage their earnings wisely. Her sacrifices allowed her to support her family and even bring them to Europe.
However, years of stress, overwork, and anxiety eventually led to health challenges. An Alzheimer’s diagnosis forced her to make a difficult choice—leave behind her career in Italy and return to the Philippines.
Back in Cantilan, she found solace in the coconut trees and sea breeze of her hometown. She realized that virgin coconut oil (VCO)—a product she once saw sold at premium prices abroad—was abundant yet undervalued locally. What started as a personal remedy for her health became the cornerstone of a new livelihood in coconut farming.
Coconut Farming and Agri-Tourism: A Sustainable Enterprise
With resilience and government backing, Teves established the La Vecchia Spiaggia Resort and Integrated-Diversified Coconut Farm, an enterprise that combines coconut processing, eco-tourism, and community education.
Today, her business:
- Produces virgin coconut oil (VCO), coconut sugar, and coconut flour
- Earns an average monthly income of ₱100,000
- Provides a healing niche for her personal journey
- Serves as a learning site for agriculture and entrepreneurship
- Welcomes tourists for farm-to-table dining, eco-tours, and cultural exchange
Her farm demonstrates how coconut farming in the Philippines can go beyond traditional methods, evolving into integrated, diversified, and profitable agri-tourism ventures.
Lessons for Returning OFWs
Minda Teves’ story highlights several important lessons for returning OFWs who wish to start fresh in the Philippines:
- Tap into government programs – Agencies such as ATI, DTI, and DOT provide training, certifications, and market access.
- Identify undervalued resources – Teves turned the overlooked coconut into premium products with global demand.
- Diversify income streams – Combining coconut processing with agri-tourism ensures sustainable revenue.
- Invest in community impact – Building a farm that also serves as a training and healing space ensures long-term value.
- Focus on health and well-being – Farming became not just a livelihood but also a pathway to healing and renewal.
The Bigger Picture: OFW Reintegration and Rural Development
The success of Teves reflects a larger movement in the Philippines—empowering OFWs to return home, reintegrate successfully, and contribute to local economies.
Instead of spending their lifetime earnings abroad, returning OFWs like Teves demonstrate that with the right training, resources, and government support, it is possible to:
- Build profitable businesses in the provinces
- Reduce migration dependency
- Strengthen the agricultural sector
- Create new opportunities for rural communities
Her story is a testament to the fact that farming is not just survival—it can be a thriving, sustainable, and life-fulfilling pursuit.
Conclusion
From her struggles abroad to her triumphs at home, Minda C. Teves embodies the spirit of resilience and the potential of OFWs who choose to return and rebuild their lives in the Philippines. With coconut farming, agri-tourism, and unwavering support from ATI, DTI, and DOT, she transformed her life and her community.
Her journey proves that with hard work, vision, and strong government support, returning OFWs can turn challenges into opportunities—finding success, healing, and hope in their own homeland.