Manila: A total of 253 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Hong Kong have been officially sworn in as licensed teachers after successfully passing the Special Professional Licensure Examination (SPLE). The oath-taking ceremony took place at the DMW-Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (DMW-OWWA) OFW Global Centre in Hong Kong.

According to Philippines News Agency, the event, held on Sunday, was attended by several dignitaries, including Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan, Labor Attach© Cesar Chavez Jr., and Consul General Romulo Victor Israel Jr., who administered the oath to the new professionals. Out of 290 OFWs who passed the exam in Hong Kong, 253 attended the ceremony to take their oaths.

In his keynote address, Secretary Cacdac congratulated the passers, highlighting the achievement marked by a 54.92 percent passing rate. He acknowledged the dedication and sacrifices of many of the passers who work as domestic workers, studying late into the night after long hours of work.

The Special Professional Licensure Examination (SPLE) is an initiative by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) that enables OFWs to take licensure exams for various professions, including teaching, in designated foreign locations instead of returning to the Philippines. This initiative aims to help OFWs gain professional recognition while working abroad.

Furthermore, the Department of Migrant Workers emphasized its program 'Sa Pinas, Ikaw ang Ma'am at Sir' (SPIMS), which offers support to qualified returning OFWs in transitioning to teaching positions within the Philippines. Secretary Cacdac reiterated the department's commitment to providing ongoing upskilling opportunities for the newly licensed teachers, stressing the importance of their new roles.