The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is collaborating with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in the MIMAROPA region to offer training programs for residents aspiring to work abroad.
According to DMW MIMAROPA Supervising Labor and Employment Officer Rhenejim Jhun Dela Cruz, they have been instructed to provide specialized training to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). This includes Filipinos who want to acquire skills in areas such as hair and makeup, which they can use to secure employment overseas.
DMW MIMAROPA Regional Director Jonathan Gerodias mentioned that they are also discussing with TESDA MIMAROPA the possibility of offering training for those who want to work as scaffolders in other countries.
“We are coordinating with TESDA to provide scaffolding training. Many of our countrymen aspire to become scaffolders due to the high demand for this skill abroad. We are working with TESDA to ensure that they receive the necessary training to qualify for approved job offers overseas,” Gerodias explained.
In addition to supporting Filipinos who wish to work abroad, DMW is also assisting those who are already overseas in acquiring more certifications and skills.
Previously, DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac noted that the department has partnered with TESDA to offer certification programs for OFWs. These programs will recognize the skills acquired by OFWs even if they did not undergo formal training.
Recently, TESDA, in coordination with DMW through its Migrant Workers Office, conducted the Overseas Assessment Program (OAP) in countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Singapore. This initiative aims to help OFWs obtain TESDA certifications based on their competencies acquired through prior training or work experience.
Having TESDA certification enhances the competitiveness of OFWs applying for technical jobs in other countries.
Based on the DMW website, some of the in-demand jobs abroad include nurses and caregivers in Japan, healthcare personnel and household service workers in Saudi Arabia, domestic helpers in Hong Kong, waiters in the United Arab Emirates, technicians and drivers in Qatar, and factory workers in Taiwan.
