Manila: Training slots allocated for repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from the Middle East are transferable to their families, the head of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) announced on Friday. TESDA has allocated 8,000 scholarship slots for OFWs who want to avail of the government's repatriation program.

According to Philippines News Agency, TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco Benitez stated in a press conference that the slots are in the form of a voucher/certificate, which can be transferred to the families of OFWs. Benitez encouraged OFWs to take advantage of the training courses offered by TESDA, noting that only about 2,000 certificates had been distributed so far.

Benitez emphasized that OFWs and their families could choose from a variety of courses and that TESDA would guide them if they wish to start their own business after completing the training. The process is straightforward, requiring only the presentation of the certificate at TESDA offices or TESDA-accredited schools.

The available training courses span several sectors, including information technology, caregiving, hospitality, and construction. These reintegration services aim to fast-track intervention for the OFWs, encompassing skills training, assessment, and certification.