After spending years working overseas, many overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) dream of returning home for good. For Romeo Kimbungan of Pula, Poblacion, Tuba, Benguet, that dream became a reality through agriculture. What began as a vision inspired by his experiences abroad eventually grew into a thriving agricultural enterprise, proving that success can be cultivated at home.
Romeo first worked abroad from 1989 to 1992 before returning to Taiwan from 1994 to 1996. He started as a factory worker before transferring to government construction work. While overseas, he discovered the potential of beekeeping and decided that it was the business he wanted to pursue upon returning to the Philippines. Determined to make it happen, he worked for two more years to save enough capital for his future venture.
Upon returning home, he patiently studied honeybee management and dedicated himself to learning the craft, until his capital was gradually depleted. His perseverance eventually paid off. Through years of hard work, Romeo realized that agriculture could provide a stable and sustainable source of income.
A major turning point came in 2002 when Romeo was diagnosed with a heart condition. Feeling hopeless, he began drinking herbal tea as part of his recovery. When his health improved, he became inspired to process herbal teas using locally grown ingredients.
What started as a personal remedy soon became another livelihood, which he introduced to friends and eventually developed into an additional source of income.
Today, Romeo continues to produce pure honey and herbal teas while embracing organic farming practices. His agricultural enterprise allowed him not only to support his family but also to build a home and establish a processing facility for his products. Beyond generating income, agriculture has provided him with a healthier lifestyle. His family consumes many of the products they grow and harvest, ensuring access to fresh and nutritious food while reducing household expenses.
For Romeo, farming also offers something he never experienced while working abroad. Unlike overseas employment, where missing a day of work often means losing income, managing his own farm gives him greater flexibility and fulfillment. With trusted workers helping manage the business, he is able to focus on expanding production while enjoying a better work life balance.
His success has been strengthened by the support of the Department of Agriculture, which has continuously promoted the development of agri-based enterprises through technical assistance, capacity building activities, and programs that encourage value adding and agribusiness development. These interventions have helped farmers and agri-entrepreneurs like Romeo improve production, diversify their products, and build sustainable sources of income. Through these opportunities, he was able to expand his enterprise while creating employment and providing quality products to consumers.
Looking back on his journey, Romeo believes agriculture remains one of the best investments for returning OFWs. He encourages fellow Filipinos working abroad not to fear coming home, emphasizing that opportunities exist not only in agriculture but in many livelihood ventures across the country. While challenges are inevitable, he believes these can be overcome through determination, hard work, and a willingness to keep learning.
His story demonstrates that success is not defined by working abroad forever. With courage and perseverance returning home can become the beginning of a more meaningful and sustainable future. For Romeo Kimbungan, agriculture became more than a livelihood. It became the foundation for a better life for his family and an inspiration for other OFWs who dream of building their future in the Philippines.//Alyssa Dawn L. Alalag
DA-CAR Press Release No. 26-103