More Pinoys in Jeddah to undergo computer literacy training

JEDDAH – Another batch of Filipinos in Jeddah and nearby places are set to undergo training on computer literacy that is being offered by one of the busiest OFW community organizations in the Middle East. More than 70 individuals working in various companies have registered so far in the forthcoming series, the 25th to be given by the Overseas Filipino Workers Cooperative Council (OFWCC) since the program started in 1996. “This short-course is intended for OFWs who want to equip themselves with the current software applications using Windows-based programs," OFWCC Chairman Rudy Castro said. In the 25th Basic Computer Literacy Seminar, participants will learn about the Microsoft perating system Windows Vista and the software applications MS Word 2007, MS Excel 2007 and MS Power Point. The seminar will run for four Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at La Parilla Restaurant beside Speed Cash Remittance Center (Samba) from October 16 to November 6. Registration starts at 8 a.m. Bernie Gojo, vice chairman of the council, said other applications such as MS Access 07, Adobe Photoshop CS3, Basic Computer Networking and PC Hardware Assembly will be given as special courses and will be announced accordingly. He said the entire course has been modified “to provide adequate knowledge on computer usage and operation to neophytes in the computer environment." Castro said more than 2,400 OFWs and their dependents so far have benefited from the program, which the OFWCC started in 1996 in cooperation with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). “There are lots of our graduates who were promoted in their work after becoming computer-literate or enhancing their knowledge about essential software applications," Castro said. In fact, he said, a number of participants who have prospered have offered to provide breakfast for the succeeding seminars to show their appreciation , he said. An umbrella of Filipino cooperatives operating in the western region of Saudi Arabia, the OFWCC has been accredited by the Philippine Cooperatives Development Administration (CDA) to help organize Filipino cooperatives. It is also categorized as a non-government organization, acting as a lead representative of the National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) during the 2007 elections when overseas Filipinos participated for the second time in the overseas absentee voting exercise. The OFWCC elect its officers every year. Its officers for this year are Castro as chairman; Gojo, vice chairman; Enrico Reyes Jr., secretary; Lhugene Avila, assistant secretary; Jeffrey Ramos, treasurer; Miles Lacson, Asst. Treasurer; Peter Gonzales, PRO; Manuel Zafra, Auditor; Alice Gojo, assistant auditor; Jose Paduga, Joey Padua and Ace Glen Garcia, peace officers. Filipinos in Jeddah and nearby cities who are interested to attend may contact Castro at 054246-5369), Gojo at 05083-77108, Abdullah San Pedro at 05075-58236, Ernie Geslani at 05073-13109), Atoy Esguerra at 05563-7126, or Jeffrey Ramos at 05093-95451. - Ronaldo Z.Concha, GMANews.TV