Manila: Filipino licensed teachers who may return to the Philippines amid the ongoing tensions in the Middle East will receive direct reintegration support into the public school system, the Department of Education (DepEd) said on Monday.
According to Philippines News Agency, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara announced that the agency is prepared to assist affected overseas Filipino teachers considering returning home through its 'Sa Pinas, Ikaw ang Ma'am at Sir' (SPIMS) reintegration program. In a statement, Angara expressed his support for these teachers, emphasizing that public schools in the Philippines are open to them.
The SPIMS program is designed to provide a pathway for licensed Filipino teachers employed overseas to transition into the public school system. It offers access to online refresher courses to help them align their teaching skills with current educational standards.
Angara reassured teachers that if they decide to return, the DepEd will support them in this new chapter of their service. Qualified applicants may be hired and appointed as Teacher I under permanent status, provided they meet the established qualification standards and existing hiring guidelines.
The SPIMS Program is a collaborative employment reintegration initiative led by the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) and implemented in coordination with partner agencies, including DepEd, the Commission on Higher Education, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and other relevant government offices. The program aims to ensure a structured and orderly transition of returning OFWs into the public education system.
Eligible applicants must be Filipino citizens or Philippine passport holders who have passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) with at least one year of teaching experience within the last five years. They should not have resided in the Philippines for more than three consecutive years, based on their latest arrival record.
For guidance on the application process and documentary requirements, applicants may coordinate with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) or the NRCO through their official channels. Required documents include a valid Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID, Certificate of Board Rating, and proof of employment abroad.
