Gov’t offers returning OFWs work in local tourism

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) on Thursday launched the "Balik Bayani sa Turismo" program which offers free tourism-related trainings for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). 

“Walang OFW na ayaw umuwi [all OFWs want to go home] for good. Everyone has plans for their families and communities,” said DMW officer-in-charge Hans Cacdac during the signing of a memorandum of understanding between DMW and DOT. 

“That’s why this partnership with the DOT is a huge help for our OFWs to come home with their families while having a sustainable source of income in the local tourism sector,” added Cacdac.

The program offers training in culinary tourism, farm tourism, homestay operations, and tour guiding. 

OFWs with experience in language skills or tourism-related activities can also join the DOT’s pool of experts, including opportunities as resource persons in various government programs. 

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said that OFWs are “the best tourism ambassadors of the Philippines.”

“We are counting on our partnership with the DMW because the returning OFWs are so much valued in the tourism industries because of their experience and expertise,” Frasco said.

Meanwhile, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will also provide scholarship grants for qualified OFWs and their family members who want to become tourism frontliners and service providers or tourism enterprise owners. —Giselle Ombay/ VAL, GMA Integrated News