DepEd opens reintegration for Filipino teachers amid Middle East crisis

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday reaffirmed its support for Filipino teachers in the Middle East who may be affected by the evolving security situation, assuring them that a reintegration pathway into the country’s public school system is available.

In a press release issued March 2, DepEd said returning educators may apply under the Sa Pinas, Ikaw ang Ma’am at Sir (SPIMS) Program, a reintegration initiative implemented in coordination with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized the department’s commitment to assisting teachers who choose to return home.

“Sa mga gurong Pilipino sa Gitnang Silangan at sa iba pang panig ng mundo, bukas ang pintuan ng ating mga pampublikong paaralan para sa inyo. Kung magpapasya kayong umuwi, kasama ninyo ang DepEd sa panibagong yugto ng inyong paglilingkod,” Angara said.

(To our Filipino teachers in the Middle East and other parts of the world, the doors of our public schools are open to you. If you decide to return home, DepEd will be with you in this new chapter of your service.)

Permanent Teacher I positions available

Under the SPIMS Program, qualified applicants may be hired as Teacher I with permanent status, subject to compliance with qualification standards and existing hiring guidelines.

The initiative is led by the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) under the DMW, in coordination with partner agencies such as the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

DepEd said the program aims to ensure institutional coordination for a structured and orderly transition of returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) into the public education system.

Specifically, SPIMS seeks to:

• Provide gainful employment to returning OFWs who are Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) passers;
• Help address teacher shortages in support of the K to 12 curriculum; and
• Offer online refresher courses for educators who may need to update their pedagogical competencies.

Eligibility requirements

To qualify for the program, applicants must:

• Be Filipino citizens or Philippine passport holders;
• Be LET passers;
• Have at least one year of teaching experience within the last five years; and
• Have not resided in the Philippines for more than three consecutive years based on their latest arrival record.

Applicants are advised to coordinate with the DMW or NRCO through official channels for guidance on application procedures and documentary requirements.

Required documents include a valid PRC ID, Certificate of Board Rating, and proof of employment abroad.

DepEd said it recognizes the valuable contributions of Filipino teachers overseas and remains committed to strengthening the country’s teacher workforce while providing support mechanisms for educators both at home and abroad.—MCG, GMA Integrated News