The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) have joined forces to enhance the skills and employability of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). The two agencies signed a memorandum of agreement on Tuesday to offer skills and livelihood training programs aimed at improving the prospects of OFWs and their families.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and Tesda Director-General Jose Francisco Benitez led the signing at Tesda’s office in Taguig City. As part of the agreement, 249 scholarship training certificates were distributed to selected beneficiaries.
“Skills are not only a means to gain employment. But skills are the highest form of OFW protection,” said Cacdac. He emphasized the importance of equipping OFWs with relevant skills to help them become more productive and contribute positively to their families and communities.
The partnership aims to provide OFWs with the expertise needed for decent jobs or to start their own businesses should they choose to return to the Philippines. Tesda will offer various training, including language and culture orientation, skills assessment, and certification for OFWs and their dependents.
Both agencies are committed to supporting OFWs through upskilling and reintegration programs. “As mandated by the President himself, alagaan ang mga pamilya, ang kapakanan ng mga pamilya ng mga OFWs (we will take care of the family, the welfare of the family of the OFWs),” Cacdac added.
