Taguig city: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) have enhanced their efforts to support returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) by helping them rebuild their careers in the country. On Tuesday, 58 OFWs completed the pilot KAALAMAN Scholarship Program in Taguig City.

According to Philippines News Agency, DMW Undersecretary Felicitas Bay emphasized the significance of ongoing upskilling and reintegration support, crucial for aiding OFWs to establish stable livelihoods after years of employment abroad. Bay highlighted that the KAALAMAN Program not only offers training but also creates tangible pathways to quality employment opportunities for OFWs.

The graduates of the program completed specialized training courses aimed at enhancing their employability and expanding their livelihood prospects. These courses included training in Paramedics, Emergency Medical Service (EMS), Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC), and Caregiving, which are anticipated to open up both local and overseas job opportunities.

The DMW revealed that 165 OFWs enrolled in the program, with 146 successfully completing the course, including the 58 first-batch graduates. Most of the OFW scholars originated from the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, while others came from Hong Kong and other regions in Asia and the Pacific.

The Pilot KAALAMAN Scholarship Program serves as the core training component of the DMW's larger KAALAMAN Program. This broader initiative is focused on reintegration through avenues like financial literacy, entrepreneurship support, skills enhancement, and preparation for alternative income sources.

This initiative is aligned with the administration's continuous efforts to bolster reintegration programs, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to safeguard the welfare of OFWs and provide them with viable opportunities upon their return to the country. The DMW further stated that the program mirrors the government's commitment to arm OFWs with practical, marketable skills, aiding their transition into sustainable employment or business ventures upon returning home.