Villar SIPAG, OWWA conduct training for 38 OFWs

Thirty-eight overseas Filipino workers were the beneficiaries of the skills-up training recently at the Event Center, Starmall Edsa.

The training program was an initiative of the Villar SIPAG (Social Initiative for Poverty Alleviation and Governance) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). The beneficiaries were mainly victims of maltreatment while working abroad.

"We know how difficult it is for our repatriated OFWs and their families to get back on their feet after their dreadful experiences abroad. Bringing home our distressed OFWs is not enough, but it's just a first step in helping them," Villar said. The Nacionalista Party senator said the skills-up trainings were designed to equip former OFWs with skills they will need to find better employment or to start a small business or livelihood of their own.

In the past, they also offered trainings on bartending/barista and housekeeping for victims of human trafficking and illegal recruitment.

This batch of OFWs learned enterprise development, carinderia meals preparation and meat processing. They were also taught the process of starting a small business from looking for a suitable location, getting the capital, to applying for the needed licenses and permits.

Villar said they decided to conduct regular trainings for repatriated OFWs in order to help them become productive citizens again.

"Pagdating nila dito--whether natapos na ang kontrata nila o na-repatriate sila dahil nagkaproblema sa trabaho nila--wala silang ipon o savings na maaasahan. Kaya napaka-importante ng efficient reintegration program para sa mga OFW returnees na tinatawag," Villar said.

Villar also said the OFWs have a soft spot in their family's heart because the first buyer of a house and lot from their company was an OFW, a seaman.

The skills-up training is just one of the many forms of assistance Villar SIPAG is extending to OFWs. They also give financial, repatriation, health, and legal assistance to OFWs in distress.