After years of working and studying abroad, Michael Gabriel Angel returned home to Talakag, Bukidnon, and discovered a new opportunity through his family’s cacao farm.Angel spent five years working as a graphic designer in Singapore before moving to Australia as a working student to pursue digital marketing. His career was focused on technology and corporate work, far from farming.But when the COVID-19 pandemic brought challenges overseas, he decided to return to the Philippines and start again.“Nasulod man ang COVID-19, unya lisod kaayo sa amoang side kay as a student, naglisod ko’g pangita og trabaho didto.
So, I decided to go back to the Philippines,” he shared.(When COVID-19 came, it became difficult, especially as a student struggling to find work. So, I decided to return to the Philippines.)Back home, Angel found a new path through the family farm.Turning Cacao Into OpportunityAngel started planting peanuts and cacao on their land. As the cacao trees grew, he looked for ways to turn the harvest into a source of income.
He eventually created Sa Kabukiran Tableya Manufacturing, producing pure cacao tableya made from locally grown beans in Talakag.“Pure man. It’s a quality tableya, walay sagol. It’s 100% pure,” he said.(Mine is pure. It is quality tableya with no additives.)The business now sells products in Talakag and through souvenir and pasalubong outlets in Cagayan de Oro City, helping promote local cacao beyond the farm.A New Journey After Coming HomeStarting a business was not easy.
Angel had to learn about production, marketing, and finding customers.Support from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) helped him grow his enterprise by providing opportunities to join trade fairs and business programs.“Dako kaayo’g tabang si DMW because as an entrepreneur, na-expose gyud akong products,” he said.(The DMW has been a big help because my products gained exposure.)His background in digital marketing and graphic design also helped him promote and present his products.
A Message for OFWs
Angel believes working abroad provides valuable experiences, but OFWs should also prepare for their future return home.“It’s okay to work abroad, but remember that isn’t forever. It’s important to have a plan,” he said.For him, coming home became a chance to reconnect with his family and build something in his own community.
From creating digital designs abroad to making cacao products in Talakag, Angel’s journey shows that returning home can open new opportunities.With determination, local resources, and support, an OFW’s return can become the start of another success story.
