Manama, Bahrain. Twenty Five (25) participants attended the inaugural meeting of the Pool of Trainers for the Reintegration Preparedness Program (RPP) – Training of Trainers (ToT) held at the Sentro Rizal Hall, Philippine Embassy, marking a key step in supporting smoother reintegration of returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
This initiative, a collaboration between the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and Eagle Mind Consultancies Co. WLL, aimed at enhancing facilitation skills and raising awareness about reintegration and financial literacy, acknowledging that working abroad is a temporary pursuit that necessitates proactive planning.
For many years, numerous returning OFWs have faced difficulties such as financial management, entrepreneurship, employment reintegration, and adapting to social changes. The RPP aims to address these issues through organized training focused on financial literacy, sustainable livelihoods, and psychosocial readiness.
Adding further importance to the event, Labor Attaché Orville Ballitoc of the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) honored the occasion with his presence and conveyed his support for the initiatives aimed at fostering reintegration readiness among OFWs in the Kingdom.
A follow-up mock-up presentation held at Soho Homes Café in Adliya on 14th August offered members the chance to showcase their ability to conduct training sessions, driven by their eagerness to promote the program.
The training was initially pioneered by Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) – Bahrain Chapter under the mentorship of Dr. Ilene Valian A. Agana, Founder and CEO of Eagle Mind Consultancies Co. W.L.L.
PICE President Engr. Ian Pilongco Erojo, 48 years old working at the General Sports Authority (GSA) shared that during the 2025 PICE Mid-Year Assembly and Technical Conference held last July, ‘’We invited Dr. Agana as the resource speaker on the topic “Reintegration Program Awareness: Towards OFW Meaningful Journey’’.
Engr. Erojo also added, ‘’ The goal of PICE members is to develop a steadfast retirement plan in terms of job reintegration back to Philippines with the support of the Reintegration Program of the government’’.
Eagle Mind specializes in providing training and seminars for certification and accreditation, and Dr. Agana has been at the forefront of initiatives empowering OFWs through skills development, financial literacy, and reintegration preparedness.
The spirit of volunteerism that currently propels the program began when members responded positively to the call for volunteer trainers to support reintegration advocacy. These trainers will disseminate the RPP.
Through partnerships with Eagle Mind, MWO, and OWWA, and with the active involvement of volunteer trainers from PICE Bahrain remains committed to helping OFWs secure a meaningful and sustainable future beyond their employment abroad. Over time, it has expanded to include other OFW groups, broadening its reach and community impact.
The importance of the Reintegration Preparedness Program was further reinforced during the community visitation of Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac in Bahrain last June, where the government’s continued commitment to supporting OFWs in their transition back home was underlined.
The volunteer meetings were also attended by Ms. Celia Cabadonga, Supervising Administrative Officer of the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) Bahrain, and Ms. Juvilyn Anns Gumabay, Welfare Officer of OWWA. Both officials commended the trainers for their dedication to empowering fellow Filipinos and for supporting the government’s reintegration initiatives.
With the successful completion of this first assembly, the Pool of Trainers is now poised to play a vital role in preparing OFWs in Bahrain for a secure and meaningful future back home
