Some of the graduates with their certificates.
BY RAYNALD C RIVERA
DOHA: More and more Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) here are benefiting from the free computer courses under the Information Technology Program (ITP) of the Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
Yesterday, 536 OFWs received their certificates after finishing six-month computer courses including Basic Computer Course, Microsoft Access, PC Assembly and Networking, Adobe Photoshop and Wed Design Fundamentals.
“This is the biggest batch yet. It is because of the extension programme in Al Khor,” said Labour Attaché Leopoldo B De Jesus as he welcomed the graduates and guests at the 11th Commencement Exercises of the DOLE-OWWA ITP yesterday at the Radisson Blu hotel.
Many are already enquiring about the next programme expressing interest to join the next batch, according to De Jesus.
More than 3,000 OFWs here have improved their know-how on computer applications since OWWA and Philippine Overseas Labour Office (POLO) started the programme in 2007.
“Continue to enhance your skills and enrich your knowledge because these are the most valuable gifts that POLO, OWWA can give to you in addition to other services that we are providing,” De Jesus told the graduates.
The programme evolved from Microsoft’s “Tulay” (Bridge) Project, a part of Microsoft Unlimited Potential Community Skills Program implemented in the Philippines and several other countries such as Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Qatar.
“The old term used for the programme which was Tulay is apt to the situation of the graduates as their knowledge in computers and applications will serve as a bridge toward a better future,” said Third Secretary and Vice-Consul Melvin C Almonguera.
Almonguera emphasised the far-reaching benefits to those who have taken advantage of the free programme.
“When they decide to go back to the Philippines for good, they can work in offices which can offer higher salaries so they won’t anymore go overseas to work. They can also put up computer shops with their savings and help our compatriots back home through the jobs their businesses generate,” he said.
“Or if they decide to stay here or migrate to another country, what they have learned would be key to landing on better positions; they would be away from jobs which pose risk to their lives and in addition receive more benefits for the betterment of their families’ lives,” he added.
The programme, Almonguera said, is a proof that OWWA’s role is not limited on the repatriation of distressed OFWs.
“OWWA doesn’t only focus on repatriation; it also has proactive approach like this programme aimed at avoiding situations which result in repatriation,” he said, adding OWWA has even added other programmes for the OFWs such as baking and beads making classes.
“For all those involved in the ITP of DOLE OWWA, I hope your noble purpose your role as bridge toward achieving the dreams of our compatriots would continue.”
The Peninsula
