Training, jobs for women OFWs

Manila, Philippines - Livelihood opportunities await Filipino women returning from overseas employment who opt to stay for good.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said the government is launching the “Balik-Pinay, Balik Hanapbuhay” project that would provide skills training and other assistance for women OFWs.

Baldoz noted that the Aquino administration previously allotted P1 billion for the implementation of a reintegration program meant to give returning workers the option to stay and no longer seek employment abroad.

According to Baldoz, an initial batch of 30 women OFWs who have permanently returned home were selected as beneficiaries and will be provided free training in reflexology/massage, hair cutting, fashion accessory-making, and manicure/pedicure.

Baldoz said they will also be given business starter-kits to jumpstart their business or trade after the training.

DOLE-National Capital Region (NCR) director Raymundo Agravante said the DOLE has set aside an initial P422,000 for capability building/training, business counseling, technical and marketing assistance, and business starter kits of the 30 beneficiaries who were identified from the constituency of Rep. Sandy Ocampo.

The beneficiaries were displaced from their jobs in the Middle East, Korea and Japan where they have been household service workers, entertainers and caregivers.

“We want our women OFWs to become immediately productive upon their return and through this project, we hope they can become self-sufficient through self-employment,” Baldoz said.

Meanwhile, Baldoz reported the DOLE Ilocos Regional office has started the registration of workers there into the National Skills Registry System (NSRS).

“The Registry will provide employers in Ilocos an online database on workers in the region who have the skills they need and are available to fill up vacancies in their establishments, thereby facilitating their search for skills as well as placement of workers in search of jobs in the region,” she said.

DOLE has started the NSRS to help investors and employers find the skills they need in particular areas of the country where they may set up or expand their businesses. The system will also let workers advise prospective employers that they are available for work immediately.