Overseas Filipino workers are set to gain expanded access to training, certification, and reintegration programs following a new partnership forged between two key government agencies. The initiative seeks to strengthen support services for Filipinos working abroad by improving coordination on skills development and employment-related assistance.
The agreement was formalized in Hong Kong on Sunday during the observance of Migrant Workers' Day. The memorandum of agreement was signed by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), marking a step toward institutionalizing programs designed to help OFWs enhance their skills and prepare for opportunities both overseas and back home.
RELATED: [57% Of Filipinos Willing To Migrate Overseas, Survey Finds]
Expanded Support for Overseas Filipino Workers
Through the partnership, the two agencies aim to streamline various services available to OFWs, including profiling, referrals, training opportunities, assessments, certifications, scholarships, and employment facilitation.
Highlighting the significance of the agreement, TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez emphasized the government's commitment to overseas workers.
"What we want is to always give all we can for our OFWs. With the help of this MOA, finally, our coordination for profiling, referral, skills training, assessment and certification, scholarship support, as well as employment facilitation will be institutionalized," Benitez said in his message.
The collaboration is expected to create a more organized framework for delivering programs and services to migrant workers, ensuring that support remains accessible regardless of where they are located.
Improved Coordination and Skills Certification
TESDA said the agreement "also promotes data sharing, systems integration, and joint program implementation through regional offices, migrant centers, and overseas facilities."
The agency noted that the partnership will help strengthen information exchange and coordination mechanisms between the two institutions, allowing them to implement programs more efficiently and reach more beneficiaries.
As part of its ongoing efforts to support overseas workers, TESDA also reported that it was "conducting competency assessments for 63 OFWs in Massage Therapy NC II" or National Certificate Level II from June 6 to 7, 2026 at the OFW Global Training Center in Hong Kong.
The competency assessments were offered free of charge under the agency's Overseas Assessment Program, providing OFWs with an opportunity to obtain certifications that may improve their employment prospects and professional credentials.
RELATED: [Repatriated OFWs To Receive Financial Relief From Pag-IBIG]
