LEGAZPI CITY, ALBAY(PIA&/Albay)-- Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Bicol presented its education, training, scholarship and livelihood programs to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) during the press conference held Dec. 28, 2022. 

''Our promotion and protection of welfare services and well-being of OFWs is not only delivered to them but also extended to their  families who are left in Bicol Region,''OWWA Bicol OIC-Regional Director Jenivie Diaz Aguallo stated.

According to OWWA Bicol Labor Communication Officer Ma. Via Dometita, they are also providing educational, training, and scholarship programs with short-term courses.

These include Skills for Employment Scholarship Program (SESP) with Php14,500 per training course leading to completion of technical or vocational course in any schools accredited by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). This are offered to active OWWA members and their dependents.

Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP) has  Php7,500 financial assistance per upgrading course in accredited maritime training centers/institutions to ensure maritime career opportunities.

''This year, OWWA Bicol released scholarship assistance in Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) amounting to Php9,438,239.72;  OFW Dependents Scholarship Program (ODSP) had Php5,450,000 and Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP) with Php1,889,000.00'' Dometita said.

Dometita highlighted the extended financial relief assistance worth Php10,000 to 80 OFWs from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Eight (8) from Ukraine/Russia received additional Php20,000 from Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay Program (BPBH).

Livelihood programs such as Enterprise Development and Loan Program (EDLP), BPBH, and Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP) were also offered by OWWA.

Reminders to future OFWs

Aguallo emphasized that those who desire to apply for overseas work should be prepared mentally, emotionally, and physically on the career that they have selected.

''If you applied as domestic helper as overseas work, no matter what's your educational attainment is, it is unlikely to be your stepping stone for another career path. In contrary, If you have skills, even if you're a K-12 graduate there are a lot of opportunities being offered outside the country,'' Aguallo added.

Aguallo imparted the top five (5) skills that are in demand overseas.

''First is Seafearers, 2nd Domestic Workers, 3rd Nurses, 4th Equipment Operators, 5th are Technicians and Office Assistants posts,'' Aguallo stated.

She advised that it was better to acquire and enhance their skills in the Philippines before working abroad. (PIA5/Albay)