A free seminar on “Study to Migrate” will be held at the AIM Conference Center on February 25, at 6 p.m. It is organized by International Education Specialists.
Inter-Ed has benn placing students from the Philippines to Austrialia since 1986. changes in the immigration laws in Australia have openced up a whole new range of opportunities for students and for professionals who want to live and work there.
The seminar is aimed at anybody aged between 17-35 who wants to study, then work or migrate in Australia. Austrade, the Australian Trade Commission, will start the seminar with an overview of the scope and benefits of an Australian education; education expert Roger Bartholomew, will then discuss courses and educational institutions in Australia and the different types of students visas; Mark Leslie will be presenting the world’s leading culinary and hospitality school Le Cordon Bleu, and Australian Immigration Services will be presenting the many options for working and living in Australia.
Highlights include the revisions of September 1, 2007 in the Australian Migration Regulations and particularly the General Skilled Migration two-year study requirements; and a presentation from Le Cordon Bleu, the world’s largest hospitality education institution, with over 22,000 students at their 30 campuses in 15 different countries. The number of Filipinos taking these programs has increased greatly in the last two years and many have found work abroad as great hoteliers, chefs, restaurant owners, or patissiers.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
OWWA SCHOLARS SCORE BIG
When one asks what assistance does the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) provide for OFWs? Many would probably answer the on-site assistance provided by OWWA overseas posts in handling OFW welfare cases, or the airport assistance to distressed OFWs or the life insurance benefits that it provides to beneficiaries of its departed member-OFWs. But how about scholarship for beneficiaries of OFWs?
Yes, OWWA also provides educational benefits to the OFW or his or her beneficiaries. As the lead agency that caters to the welfare of OFWs and their beneficiaries, OWWA recognizes the value of education to the OFW family as studies have shown that it is one of the priorities for allocation of an OFW’s income.
OWWA currently has five (5) scholarship programs and projects that provide educational benefits to OFWs and these are the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP), Skills for Employment Scholarship Program (SESP), Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP), Tuloy-Aral Project (TAP), and the Microsoft-Tulay Project (MTP).
The EDSP is OWWA’s scholarship program for beneficiaries of OFWs who wants to pursue a 4-5 year baccalaureate course. OWWA currently maintains Four Hundred Nineteen (419) scholars under its Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP). As academic scholars, each EDSP Scholar is required to maintain grade requirements to maintain their scholarship. They are to maintain a passing grade point average (GPA) of at least 80% per term for the continuance of the scholarship until the completion of the course, avoid dropping more than two (2) subjects for a semester or obtaining more than 2 incomplete grades for a semester. And because of these requirements, most EDSP scholars are developing strict study habits and patience in order to meet the said prerequisites.
But given the quality of these EDSP scholars, there are also others who, aside from maintaining the said requirements, are also excelling both in their academics and in other fields.
LORIS MARRIEL BARCELO VILLAR, EDSP scholar from the National Capital Region (NCR), was recently chosen among numerous entries all over the country as one of BPI Ten Outstanding Expat Pinoy Children. She and nine other children of Filipino expatriates were chosen based on their essays on their contribution to the country as children of OFWs. In her essay on “What is a child’s role as a son/daughter of an expat pinoy?”, Loris emphasized on values on family discipline. She also mentioned that as part of the youth sector, they have a responsibility to help less fortunate children as she personally experienced when she volunteered to assist the children beneficiaries of the Pangarap Foundation.
Loris is the eldest of two children of Engineer Ismael J. Villar, an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) based in Dubai, UAE and Lorna Barcelo Villar. She is presently a sophomore student at the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) taking-up AB Political Science. A consistent honor student, Loris qualified to be an OWWA-EDSP scholar starting school year 2006-2007 after graduating from San Lorenzo Ruiz High School. She learned of the EDSP scholarship through OWWA’s intensive information campaign and barely beat the deadline for the submission of requirements.
Lori admits that being a EDSP scholar greatly alleviates the educational expenses of studying in Ateneo de Manila which, though it is one of the top universities of the country, it is also one of the most expensive educational institutions to study in. Her EDSP scholarship shoulders half the cost of her tuition fees which amounts to approximately PhP 60,000/semester.Lori also became an officer of the National Organization of OWWA (NOW) Scholars, NCR Chapter 2006-2007. She envisions herself as a corporate lawyer in the future.
NORLEEN R. PARDUCHO, EDSP Scholar from Region IVA, is a pro-active member of her community and an advocate for the protection of the environment. An honor student and a student leader since her grade school and high school days, she is currently a graduating student of the University of the Philippines Los Baños under the Bachelor of Science in Biology curriculum. Norleen is the daughter of Macario Parducho and OFW Petra Parducho, a babysitter in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for the past seven years.
During her sophomore year, she started joining community service projects held at Puypuy, Bay Laguna conducted by volunteered students. Two projects such as Book Donation for a Mini Library Project and Trash Can Donation Project were carried out by the group in the said community.
In 2006, she was elected as the Vice President of the Circle of OWWA Scholars (COS) Region IVA organization.
In the first semester of school year 2007-2008, she decided to join in a socio-civic organization, UP Resideños. She is one of the charter members and was assigned in the membership committee. She actively participated in the community service of the organization. She joined the “Clean Up the Earth Program” held last September at UPLB, participated in the “Trainor’s Training Program” held last October at Lalakay Elementary School and she became one of the facilitators of the “Disaster Preparedness Seminar” held last October at Brgy. Bagong Silang, Los Baños, Laguna.
Recently, she attended the “Microbes Unlimited…For Health and Wellness Symposium” held at De La Salle University-Manila and she joined the Philippine Society for Microbiology, Inc. (PSM).
Norleen is very grateful assistance OWWA is extending to her through the EDSP as it greatly alleviated her family’s expenses as there are four of them currently enrolled in college.
JESTONI P. BABIA, EDSP scholar from Cagayan de Oro City, is a not only an excellent student but a natural born leader as well. He is a child of OFW Danilo Babia, truck driver in Brunei and Flor Babia, a homemaker.
Despite his good academic performance in elementary and high school as a class valedictorian, his parents still have difficulties paying for the other fees which include his uniform, daily allowance and so on. But when he heard about the EDSP scholarship Program of OWWA, he immediately decided to apply and completed all the requirements needed. He passed the exam placing first in that year’s batch of examinees (2004).
A senior BS Education major in Special Education at Xavier University, Jestoni is a consistent Dean’s Lister from his first year to fourth year where he received certificates of recognition for his outstanding academic performance and is now a candidate for Magna Cum Laude for the SY2007-2008. While in first year, he became the representative of the Teachers' Guild, one of the seven major organizations in Xavier University. He eventually became the President of the Guild in his junior year. He also joined several conferences in held in big universities nationwide where he also had the opportunity to meet some of the executives of Ayala Corporation when he qualified for the second screening of the 9th Ayala Young Leaders Congress in Makati City. With his exposures, his organization was able to conduct city wide and regional symposia, trainings and conferences on their own. And with the accomplishments that they had, they were awarded as the Most Outstanding Student Council bringing back the glory after ten years in the history of the university. Jestoni was also awarded the Most Outstanding Student Leader during that year.
After finishing his term as the Teachers’ Guild President, he ran and won the presidency of the Central Student Government, the highest governing student body in Xavier University where he managed almost ten thousand students hearing their individual concerns pertaining to their academics, tuition fees, etc. He also received several invitations for trainings and conferences abroad – meeting other young leaders in the different parts of the world. He is also a part of the Academic Council which discusses the academic situation of the university together with the school deans, rectors, director of every school offices. He is also a member of the College Administrative Board which discusses the violations and discipline for students caught cheating and stealing. And lastly, he is also a member of the Committee on Decorum and Investigation which conducts investigations pertaining to sexual harassment cases in the university.
Jestoni is also the Communications Officer of the League of OWWA Scholars in Mindanao and the National Organization of OWWA Scholars. With the OWWA EDSP, he learned that best things in life should not be taken for granted.
PRINCESS ROSE C. ALONZO, EDSP scholar of Region 12, is a freshman BS Nursing student of Notre Dame University of General Santos City. She is the daughter of Paquito Alonzo, a farmer based in Dumaguete City and Leonita, a teacher retired by disability. She is the beneficiary of her sister, Rosanna, who is currently working as an OFW in Dubai, UAE.
Princesses’s family is very poor. Her whole family, including those of his brother, Crispin who married young and derives his income as a jeepney driver, relies mainly on the earnings of Rosanna.
Everyday is a struggle for Princess as she has to overcome struggles against poverty and conflicts within her family. A petty quarrel between her siblings in the second quarter of 2007 resulted in her mother and her leaving their family home to give way to her brother’s family and worse, left an emotional scar to which she bears up to now.
Princess admits that, despite all her difficulties, the EDSP scholarship that she got is a blessing for without it, she probably would not have gone to college because of financial difficulty. That is why she always gives her best in her studies as not to waste the opportunity she got from OWWA.
Although only in her first year, she is already showing signs of excellence by being a Dean’s Lister for the first semester of SY2007-2008. She is also an active member of the Philippine Nursing Student’s Association (PNSA) which is renowned for its community outreach programs.
Yes, OWWA also provides educational benefits to the OFW or his or her beneficiaries. As the lead agency that caters to the welfare of OFWs and their beneficiaries, OWWA recognizes the value of education to the OFW family as studies have shown that it is one of the priorities for allocation of an OFW’s income.
OWWA currently has five (5) scholarship programs and projects that provide educational benefits to OFWs and these are the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP), Skills for Employment Scholarship Program (SESP), Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP), Tuloy-Aral Project (TAP), and the Microsoft-Tulay Project (MTP).
The EDSP is OWWA’s scholarship program for beneficiaries of OFWs who wants to pursue a 4-5 year baccalaureate course. OWWA currently maintains Four Hundred Nineteen (419) scholars under its Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP). As academic scholars, each EDSP Scholar is required to maintain grade requirements to maintain their scholarship. They are to maintain a passing grade point average (GPA) of at least 80% per term for the continuance of the scholarship until the completion of the course, avoid dropping more than two (2) subjects for a semester or obtaining more than 2 incomplete grades for a semester. And because of these requirements, most EDSP scholars are developing strict study habits and patience in order to meet the said prerequisites.
But given the quality of these EDSP scholars, there are also others who, aside from maintaining the said requirements, are also excelling both in their academics and in other fields.
LORIS MARRIEL BARCELO VILLAR, EDSP scholar from the National Capital Region (NCR), was recently chosen among numerous entries all over the country as one of BPI Ten Outstanding Expat Pinoy Children. She and nine other children of Filipino expatriates were chosen based on their essays on their contribution to the country as children of OFWs. In her essay on “What is a child’s role as a son/daughter of an expat pinoy?”, Loris emphasized on values on family discipline. She also mentioned that as part of the youth sector, they have a responsibility to help less fortunate children as she personally experienced when she volunteered to assist the children beneficiaries of the Pangarap Foundation.
Loris is the eldest of two children of Engineer Ismael J. Villar, an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) based in Dubai, UAE and Lorna Barcelo Villar. She is presently a sophomore student at the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) taking-up AB Political Science. A consistent honor student, Loris qualified to be an OWWA-EDSP scholar starting school year 2006-2007 after graduating from San Lorenzo Ruiz High School. She learned of the EDSP scholarship through OWWA’s intensive information campaign and barely beat the deadline for the submission of requirements.
Lori admits that being a EDSP scholar greatly alleviates the educational expenses of studying in Ateneo de Manila which, though it is one of the top universities of the country, it is also one of the most expensive educational institutions to study in. Her EDSP scholarship shoulders half the cost of her tuition fees which amounts to approximately PhP 60,000/semester.Lori also became an officer of the National Organization of OWWA (NOW) Scholars, NCR Chapter 2006-2007. She envisions herself as a corporate lawyer in the future.
NORLEEN R. PARDUCHO, EDSP Scholar from Region IVA, is a pro-active member of her community and an advocate for the protection of the environment. An honor student and a student leader since her grade school and high school days, she is currently a graduating student of the University of the Philippines Los Baños under the Bachelor of Science in Biology curriculum. Norleen is the daughter of Macario Parducho and OFW Petra Parducho, a babysitter in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for the past seven years.
During her sophomore year, she started joining community service projects held at Puypuy, Bay Laguna conducted by volunteered students. Two projects such as Book Donation for a Mini Library Project and Trash Can Donation Project were carried out by the group in the said community.
In 2006, she was elected as the Vice President of the Circle of OWWA Scholars (COS) Region IVA organization.
In the first semester of school year 2007-2008, she decided to join in a socio-civic organization, UP Resideños. She is one of the charter members and was assigned in the membership committee. She actively participated in the community service of the organization. She joined the “Clean Up the Earth Program” held last September at UPLB, participated in the “Trainor’s Training Program” held last October at Lalakay Elementary School and she became one of the facilitators of the “Disaster Preparedness Seminar” held last October at Brgy. Bagong Silang, Los Baños, Laguna.
Recently, she attended the “Microbes Unlimited…For Health and Wellness Symposium” held at De La Salle University-Manila and she joined the Philippine Society for Microbiology, Inc. (PSM).
Norleen is very grateful assistance OWWA is extending to her through the EDSP as it greatly alleviated her family’s expenses as there are four of them currently enrolled in college.
JESTONI P. BABIA, EDSP scholar from Cagayan de Oro City, is a not only an excellent student but a natural born leader as well. He is a child of OFW Danilo Babia, truck driver in Brunei and Flor Babia, a homemaker.
Despite his good academic performance in elementary and high school as a class valedictorian, his parents still have difficulties paying for the other fees which include his uniform, daily allowance and so on. But when he heard about the EDSP scholarship Program of OWWA, he immediately decided to apply and completed all the requirements needed. He passed the exam placing first in that year’s batch of examinees (2004).
A senior BS Education major in Special Education at Xavier University, Jestoni is a consistent Dean’s Lister from his first year to fourth year where he received certificates of recognition for his outstanding academic performance and is now a candidate for Magna Cum Laude for the SY2007-2008. While in first year, he became the representative of the Teachers' Guild, one of the seven major organizations in Xavier University. He eventually became the President of the Guild in his junior year. He also joined several conferences in held in big universities nationwide where he also had the opportunity to meet some of the executives of Ayala Corporation when he qualified for the second screening of the 9th Ayala Young Leaders Congress in Makati City. With his exposures, his organization was able to conduct city wide and regional symposia, trainings and conferences on their own. And with the accomplishments that they had, they were awarded as the Most Outstanding Student Council bringing back the glory after ten years in the history of the university. Jestoni was also awarded the Most Outstanding Student Leader during that year.
After finishing his term as the Teachers’ Guild President, he ran and won the presidency of the Central Student Government, the highest governing student body in Xavier University where he managed almost ten thousand students hearing their individual concerns pertaining to their academics, tuition fees, etc. He also received several invitations for trainings and conferences abroad – meeting other young leaders in the different parts of the world. He is also a part of the Academic Council which discusses the academic situation of the university together with the school deans, rectors, director of every school offices. He is also a member of the College Administrative Board which discusses the violations and discipline for students caught cheating and stealing. And lastly, he is also a member of the Committee on Decorum and Investigation which conducts investigations pertaining to sexual harassment cases in the university.
Jestoni is also the Communications Officer of the League of OWWA Scholars in Mindanao and the National Organization of OWWA Scholars. With the OWWA EDSP, he learned that best things in life should not be taken for granted.
PRINCESS ROSE C. ALONZO, EDSP scholar of Region 12, is a freshman BS Nursing student of Notre Dame University of General Santos City. She is the daughter of Paquito Alonzo, a farmer based in Dumaguete City and Leonita, a teacher retired by disability. She is the beneficiary of her sister, Rosanna, who is currently working as an OFW in Dubai, UAE.
Princesses’s family is very poor. Her whole family, including those of his brother, Crispin who married young and derives his income as a jeepney driver, relies mainly on the earnings of Rosanna.
Everyday is a struggle for Princess as she has to overcome struggles against poverty and conflicts within her family. A petty quarrel between her siblings in the second quarter of 2007 resulted in her mother and her leaving their family home to give way to her brother’s family and worse, left an emotional scar to which she bears up to now.
Princess admits that, despite all her difficulties, the EDSP scholarship that she got is a blessing for without it, she probably would not have gone to college because of financial difficulty. That is why she always gives her best in her studies as not to waste the opportunity she got from OWWA.
Although only in her first year, she is already showing signs of excellence by being a Dean’s Lister for the first semester of SY2007-2008. She is also an active member of the Philippine Nursing Student’s Association (PNSA) which is renowned for its community outreach programs.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo – Training for Work Scholarship Program (PGMA-TWSP) scholar
We are proud to receive numerous applications everyday that is why we thoroughly screen all applicants to make sure that we give the scholarship grants to deserving students.
Please read carefully the step-by-step pre-qualification process below:
We are proud to receive numerous applications everyday that is why we thoroughly screen all applicants to make sure that we give the scholarship grants to deserving students.
Please read carefully the step-by-step pre-qualification process below:
1. Fill out the e-TESDA Scholarship Application Form of scholarship form
2. Visit your nearest TESDA Regional / Provincial / District office of TESDA offices to schedule for an orientation and to submit a copy of the NCAE or YP4SC results
* For those without NCAE or YP4SC results, take the O*NET Computerized Interest Profiler at TESDA before scheduling for an orientation
* TESDA will gladly assist you in interpreting the results of your NCAE / YP4SC / O*NET Computerized Interest Profiler and in giving sound advice on what courses to take
3. Attend the group orientation. It will help you decide not just on what course to finally take, but also on the mode of learning – whether full online or blended learning.
4. Pass the pre-training written examination and submit the complete requirements for your desired course
5. Check your email periodically to see examination results / status of your application
Passed the pre-qualification process? Congratulations for being included in TESDA’s roster of scholars! Please observe strictly the following guidelines as you start in your online course:
1. TESDA will provide you with an (1) internet access card and (2) your own e-TESDA username and password. Note well this information entrusted to you.
2. For the internet access card:
1. Present your internet access card to your facilitator every time you visit any TESDA accredited internet café (like Netopia or computer laboratories of public and private schools)so you can avail of free internet access and browse your lessons online.
* Netopia internet cards are exclusively for Netopia branches. Accredited computer laboratories of public and private schools have a different internet access card.
2. Your facilitator will also guide you as you familiarize yourself with the Learning Management System being used for your course
For the e-TESDA username and password:
Enroll personally at the school implementing the TESDA-registered e-learning program you have chosen. The e-TESDA username and password will also be your key when you need to conduct online assessment and certification.
For courses in blended learning mode, students must be present during workshop sessions / practical training. Attendance in these sessions will form part of the overall student grade.
e-TESDA at home:
You may access e-TESDA at the comfort of your home or simply anywhere there is internet access. However, expenses for this will be shouldered by the student.
TESDA is your partner in pursuing quality technical-vocational education. Let us know of your concerns so we can serve you better. Good luck!
* At least High School Graduate;
* 16-55 years old;
* Must pass pre-training assessment administered by TESDA Regional/Provincial Offices and/or concerned industry associations;
* Must have no pending criminal and administrative case.
Note: The applicant will be guided in the choice of the course by the Career Interest Profiler or NCAE Results.
Please read carefully the step-by-step pre-qualification process below:
We are proud to receive numerous applications everyday that is why we thoroughly screen all applicants to make sure that we give the scholarship grants to deserving students.
Please read carefully the step-by-step pre-qualification process below:
1. Fill out the e-TESDA Scholarship Application Form of scholarship form
2. Visit your nearest TESDA Regional / Provincial / District office of TESDA offices to schedule for an orientation and to submit a copy of the NCAE or YP4SC results
* For those without NCAE or YP4SC results, take the O*NET Computerized Interest Profiler at TESDA before scheduling for an orientation
* TESDA will gladly assist you in interpreting the results of your NCAE / YP4SC / O*NET Computerized Interest Profiler and in giving sound advice on what courses to take
3. Attend the group orientation. It will help you decide not just on what course to finally take, but also on the mode of learning – whether full online or blended learning.
4. Pass the pre-training written examination and submit the complete requirements for your desired course
5. Check your email periodically to see examination results / status of your application
Passed the pre-qualification process? Congratulations for being included in TESDA’s roster of scholars! Please observe strictly the following guidelines as you start in your online course:
1. TESDA will provide you with an (1) internet access card and (2) your own e-TESDA username and password. Note well this information entrusted to you.
2. For the internet access card:
1. Present your internet access card to your facilitator every time you visit any TESDA accredited internet café (like Netopia or computer laboratories of public and private schools)so you can avail of free internet access and browse your lessons online.
* Netopia internet cards are exclusively for Netopia branches. Accredited computer laboratories of public and private schools have a different internet access card.
2. Your facilitator will also guide you as you familiarize yourself with the Learning Management System being used for your course
For the e-TESDA username and password:
Enroll personally at the school implementing the TESDA-registered e-learning program you have chosen. The e-TESDA username and password will also be your key when you need to conduct online assessment and certification.
For courses in blended learning mode, students must be present during workshop sessions / practical training. Attendance in these sessions will form part of the overall student grade.
e-TESDA at home:
You may access e-TESDA at the comfort of your home or simply anywhere there is internet access. However, expenses for this will be shouldered by the student.
TESDA is your partner in pursuing quality technical-vocational education. Let us know of your concerns so we can serve you better. Good luck!
* At least High School Graduate;
* 16-55 years old;
* Must pass pre-training assessment administered by TESDA Regional/Provincial Offices and/or concerned industry associations;
* Must have no pending criminal and administrative case.
Note: The applicant will be guided in the choice of the course by the Career Interest Profiler or NCAE Results.
Microsoft Tulay Training Empowers OFW to Open Own Internet Café
The Microsoft-Tulay Project (MTP), a program in collaboration with Microsoft Philippines and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has helping Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families to access training on technology through CTLCs.
Many OFWs and former OFWs are now learning computer skills, which would enable them to explore alternative business opportunities when their contracts overseas have been fulfilled. One of them is Racel Baldorado, a performing artist who worked in Japan. She is one of the first graduates from the Tulay CTLC in Zamboanga City, where the training are jointly implemented by OWWA and NGO partner, Kapisanan ng mga Kamag-anak ng Manggagawang Migranteng Pilipino, Inc. (KAKAMMPI)-Mindanao.
With her sister, who also worked as a domestic helper in Hong Kong, Racel immediately registered to take part of the program upon learning about it during a visit to OWWA’s Region 9 office. Through the program, she learned new IT skills. In addition, the experience gave her insight into starting an Internet café business.
With the help of her Tulay instructor and officers form the OWWA regional station, Racel was able to ascertain the requirements for starting the business. Two months after graduating from Tulay, she opened her own Internet café located at Tugbungan, Zamboanga City. Her shop is small but strategically located near the commercial area and easily accessible to Internet café goers.
Before, she decided to try to work overseas because she didn’t saw any other opportunity for her in the country. But when the ban on performing artist was place, she realized that she was going to have to stay here for good. That time she wanted to start a business so she could support her family. She always wanted to open an Internet café, but before the Tulay training, she was not familiar with computers, or how to go about starting a business.
Now that she is operating this business, she fell so lucky and blessed that God led her into this. She is thankful that Microsoft offered the chance for OFWs like her to learn IT skills, giving her the chance to join the Tulay program and realize her dream of having her own business.
Tulay is part of the Microsoft Unlimited Potential Community Technology Skills Program, a global initiative focused on improving life-long learning for underserved youth and adults by providing technology skills through non-government organization around the world.
Recipients of the program grants are public centers where people can gain IT skills and training to help themselves and their communities. The center is equipped with Internet connection and web cameras, enabling the OFWs to communicate with their families in the Philippines in virtual face-to-face conversations.
Tulay utilizes the Unlimited Potential curriculum – customizable training modules developed in the United States and used in more than 100 countries – to train OFWs and their families in basic computer, Internet, and digital media fundamentals, as well as word processing, spreadsheet presentation and database application. The curriculum has also been translated in various languages.
This curriculum has been accredited by TESDA. As of May 2007, Tulay has reached out to 7,121 OFWs and their families who have been able to find better employment opportunities.
Tulay CTLS are located all over the world. There are centers in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Milan and Rome, Italy. Locally, centers can also be found in OWWA offices in Manila, Cebu, La Union, Bicol, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga and in the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) office in Ortigas…
Many OFWs and former OFWs are now learning computer skills, which would enable them to explore alternative business opportunities when their contracts overseas have been fulfilled. One of them is Racel Baldorado, a performing artist who worked in Japan. She is one of the first graduates from the Tulay CTLC in Zamboanga City, where the training are jointly implemented by OWWA and NGO partner, Kapisanan ng mga Kamag-anak ng Manggagawang Migranteng Pilipino, Inc. (KAKAMMPI)-Mindanao.
With her sister, who also worked as a domestic helper in Hong Kong, Racel immediately registered to take part of the program upon learning about it during a visit to OWWA’s Region 9 office. Through the program, she learned new IT skills. In addition, the experience gave her insight into starting an Internet café business.
With the help of her Tulay instructor and officers form the OWWA regional station, Racel was able to ascertain the requirements for starting the business. Two months after graduating from Tulay, she opened her own Internet café located at Tugbungan, Zamboanga City. Her shop is small but strategically located near the commercial area and easily accessible to Internet café goers.
Before, she decided to try to work overseas because she didn’t saw any other opportunity for her in the country. But when the ban on performing artist was place, she realized that she was going to have to stay here for good. That time she wanted to start a business so she could support her family. She always wanted to open an Internet café, but before the Tulay training, she was not familiar with computers, or how to go about starting a business.
Now that she is operating this business, she fell so lucky and blessed that God led her into this. She is thankful that Microsoft offered the chance for OFWs like her to learn IT skills, giving her the chance to join the Tulay program and realize her dream of having her own business.
Tulay is part of the Microsoft Unlimited Potential Community Technology Skills Program, a global initiative focused on improving life-long learning for underserved youth and adults by providing technology skills through non-government organization around the world.
Recipients of the program grants are public centers where people can gain IT skills and training to help themselves and their communities. The center is equipped with Internet connection and web cameras, enabling the OFWs to communicate with their families in the Philippines in virtual face-to-face conversations.
Tulay utilizes the Unlimited Potential curriculum – customizable training modules developed in the United States and used in more than 100 countries – to train OFWs and their families in basic computer, Internet, and digital media fundamentals, as well as word processing, spreadsheet presentation and database application. The curriculum has also been translated in various languages.
This curriculum has been accredited by TESDA. As of May 2007, Tulay has reached out to 7,121 OFWs and their families who have been able to find better employment opportunities.
Tulay CTLS are located all over the world. There are centers in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Milan and Rome, Italy. Locally, centers can also be found in OWWA offices in Manila, Cebu, La Union, Bicol, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga and in the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) office in Ortigas…
Isuzu Motors Limited (Japan) Puts Up Training Center in Manila
ISUZU MOTORS LIMITED (JAPAN) donated $3 million to Plan International to establish a large-scale auto-mechanic training center for the underprivileged Filipino youth.
Through the project, Isuzu Motors and Plan Philippines (local chapter of Plan International) will put up a vocational automotive training center that will produce highly skilled auto mechanics.
Working along with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Plan Philippines will collaborate in developing a technical education program that seeks to produces top-class automotive technician. Each year, 80 young men and women from communities assisted by Plan will be given scholarships.
The training center will be established at the TESDA Region-8 compound in Tacloban City. TESDA will manage the center and provide full-time management and administrative staff to the project.
The center will be provided with tools and facilities needed to support classes up to National Certificate (NC) level IV. Aside from the building, the project will also include dormitories and recreational facilities such as basketball courts, multi-purpose venues and function rooms.
The training center will not just be about producing highly-skilled technician. The project is about helping the young scholars to recognize his/her potential in other aspects. The center will help them become good citizens, teach them how to figure in an interview, and teach them the value of working as a team.
Under the program, the scholars will also be given assistance on landing a job-related industry right after their training.
With this vocational training program, the talent and potential of the Filipino youth is recognized. Though the project is initially intended to run for five years, more support will be extended beyond 2012, according to Tomoki Umeda, general manager, HR and general affairs of Isuzu Motors Ltd.
This big bold step of Isuzu Motors Ltd., Plan Philippines and TESDA will open up many opportunities for the Filipino youth to realize their potential and help them build a bright future…
Through the project, Isuzu Motors and Plan Philippines (local chapter of Plan International) will put up a vocational automotive training center that will produce highly skilled auto mechanics.
Working along with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Plan Philippines will collaborate in developing a technical education program that seeks to produces top-class automotive technician. Each year, 80 young men and women from communities assisted by Plan will be given scholarships.
The training center will be established at the TESDA Region-8 compound in Tacloban City. TESDA will manage the center and provide full-time management and administrative staff to the project.
The center will be provided with tools and facilities needed to support classes up to National Certificate (NC) level IV. Aside from the building, the project will also include dormitories and recreational facilities such as basketball courts, multi-purpose venues and function rooms.
The training center will not just be about producing highly-skilled technician. The project is about helping the young scholars to recognize his/her potential in other aspects. The center will help them become good citizens, teach them how to figure in an interview, and teach them the value of working as a team.
Under the program, the scholars will also be given assistance on landing a job-related industry right after their training.
With this vocational training program, the talent and potential of the Filipino youth is recognized. Though the project is initially intended to run for five years, more support will be extended beyond 2012, according to Tomoki Umeda, general manager, HR and general affairs of Isuzu Motors Ltd.
This big bold step of Isuzu Motors Ltd., Plan Philippines and TESDA will open up many opportunities for the Filipino youth to realize their potential and help them build a bright future…
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