Gov't agencies to launch upskilling programs for returning OFWs

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said Sunday it is set to launch upskilling programs in partnership with other government agencies for returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), particularly those coming home from conflict areas in the Middle East.

Acting DOLE Secretary Francis Tolentino said the initiative will be implemented in collaboration with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

In an interview on Super Radyo dzBB, Tolentino said he had already reached an agreement with DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac to strengthen the government's reintegration efforts.

“Two weeks ago, Secretary Cacdac and I agreed—along with TESDA—to strengthen the reintegration program,” Tolentino said in Filipino.

“The Department of Migrant Workers maintains the database of returning workers. Those who choose not to work abroad again will undergo training to upgrade their skills,” he added.

Tolentino said the upskilling program would enable returning OFWs to qualify for better-paying jobs overseas should they decide to work abroad again, or help them start businesses in the Philippines with assistance from partner government agencies.

“For example, if you were a caregiver in Israel and choose not to return, you can undergo training so that if you decide to work abroad again, you will have higher qualifications,” Tolentino said.

“If you want to establish a livelihood here instead, DOLE and TESDA will provide the necessary capital, especially if you form a group. If five or six workers pool their resources, they can receive bigger capital assistance,” he added.

Tolentino said the program is already in effect.

Monthly job fairs

Starting in September 2026, DOLE will hold monthly job fairs, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s announcement during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) highlighting the government's employment initiatives.

“We will hold them monthly starting in September,” Tolentino said.

The labor chief said the job fairs have posted high hiring and near-hire rates. Near-hires are applicants who have qualified for jobs but have yet to complete documentary requirements, such as securing an NBI clearance.

“This Tuesday, I have called all DOLE regional directors to Manila to discuss the monthly job fairs because they have recorded very high hiring rates, as well as a large number of near-hires who only lack a few documentary requirements,” Tolentino said.

He said the department is exploring ways to streamline the processing of documentary requirements for near-hires to help speed up employment nationwide.— MCG, GMA News