Many OFWs who have returned to the Philippines usually find it hard to start anew, especially if they have not saved enough, or established a new source of income. Fortunately, they can benefit from a reintegration program offered by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
Under the program, returning OFWs, including those who have been unemployed for years, can sign up for free skills training. They may also receive job referrals and get the chance to work locally or abroad. Armed with new skills, they can even start their own businesses or livelihood.
OWWA Kasanayan at Kabuhayan Center
The reintegration program is offered by the OWWA Kasanayan at Kabuhayan Center (OKKC), which provides free training and job opportunities to returning OFWs and their families. Located in Intramuros, Manila, the center was created in coordination with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
At present, OKKC offers courses in barista skills, bartending, bookkeeping, caregiving, housekeeping, Japanese language, and virtual assistance. Soon, it will offer training on electric vehicle repair and solar energy installation, as well. Moreover, in partnership with TikTok, a video streaming platform, and Nextplay, a tech company — the center offers training on digital livelihood, including online business development and live selling.
Not Just Financial Assistance, But Upskilling
According to OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan, the agency is not just offering financial assistance to returning OFWs, but upskilling.
“We at OWWA believe that hindi lamang ang financial assistance ang sagot sa tanong na ‘yan, kung hindi, isang programa na magbibigay sa kanila ng mas pangmatagalang asset na magagamit nila sa pagbalik nila (financial assistance is not the only answer, but a program that would grant them a more long-term asset that they can use upon their return),” Caunan said in a radio interview, as cited by the Philippine News Agency.
“‘Yan ay upskilling, ang pagkakaroon ng additional skills para makahanap sila ng mas magandang trabaho o kaya naman po ay mabigyan sila ng puhunan sa skills para makasimula ng negosyo sa pagbalik nila sa Pilipinas (That is upskilling, the acquisition of new skills so they can find better jobs, or receive capital for skills to start a business when they return to the Philippines),” she explained.
Direct Link to Prospective Employers
What makes OKKC unique is its direct link to prospective employers, the OWWA Administrator added. This includes partnerships with the DMW, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Public Employment Service Offices (PESO), along with private companies.
Under the baristra training program, for example, coffee shop operator Juice Coffee meets with trainees on their first day, telling them that they can apply for a job with the company upon graduation.
Meanwhile, for those who would like to work abroad again, OWWA connects them with the DMW’s government-to-government hiring programs, as well as with licensed Philippine recruitment agencies.
Training for Former Domestic Workers, Seafarers
As for domestic workers, Caunan mentioned that OWWA intends to help them qualify for other professions, such as caregiving, which offers better job opportunities in the Philippines and overseas. Notably, some former domestic workers are already enrolled in training programs, attending classes on weekends so they can attain their TESDA National Certificate II.
Meanwhile, returning seafarers can sign up for the agency’s Seafarers’ Upgrading Program (SUP), which provides a PHP 7,500 training grant for those who want to upskill while waiting for their next deployment.
How to Join OWWA’s Training Programs
OFWs and their families who want to join training programs can call OWWA hotline 1348, or send an email to owwacares@owwa.gov.ph. They can also visit the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO), or go to the agency’s Central Office in Pasay City, Metro Manila.
Likewise, OFWs can inquire with the DMW’s global centers in Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Taipei. Soon, training and assessment services will also be available for OFWs in Singapore, Macau, Muscat in Oman, and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Upon going back to the Philippines, OFWs can look forward to gaining new skills and opportunities, thanks to OWWA and the DMW’s reintegration program. Whether they plan to work again or start their own business, they have much to gain from training programs and referrals.
Speaking of OWWA, the agency has announced a special event for Filipinos in Hong Kong. Read this announcement for more details about the “Pamaskong Handog” for the Filipino community!
Disclaimer: This article is presented for general information purposes only. To know more about the agency’s reintegration program and other services for OFWs, please visit the OWWA official website.