DepEd speeds up return of OFW teachers fleeing Middle East crisis

As Filipino teachers flee escalating tensions in the Middle East, the Department of Education (DepEd) is fast-tracking their reintegration into Philippine classrooms, offering employment opportunities, financial assistance, and education support for their families.

In a statement on Monday, DepEd said it is spearheading reintegration initiatives for overseas Filipino worker (OFW) teachers displaced by the ongoing regional crisis, in coordination with other government agencies.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that returning educators will not be left to navigate the transition alone, as the government works to streamline support systems under the Bagong Pilipinas Bayanihan Para sa Balikbayang Manggagawa National Reintegration Network and Job Fair.

“Sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, hindi namin kayo hahayaang mag-isang harapin ang mga hamong ito habang sinisikap naming gawing mas simple, mas mabilis, at mas madaling maabot ang proseso ng SPIMS,” Angara said.

(Under the leadership of President Bongbong Marcos, we will not let you face these challenges alone as we work to make the SPIMS process simpler, faster, and more accessible.)

At the center of the initiative is the Sa Pinas, Ikaw ang Ma’am at Sir (SPIMS) Program, which has helped 11,056 licensed teachers transition from overseas employment back into the country’s public school system since 2014.

Data from the Department of Migrant Workers showed that 8,047 teachers have received financial assistance under the program, while 521 others were provided with online refresher courses—efforts that have positioned SPIMS as one of the government’s key reintegration mechanisms for OFWs.

During the job fair, DepEd also offered on-site registration for Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) tests for returning workers seeking further education, as well as the Philippine Educational Placement Test (PEPT) for their children.

Additional support includes access to the Senior High School Voucher Program for learners continuing in private schools, 720 available slots under the Teacher Education Scholarship Program for qualified family members, and review incentive packages for those preparing for the licensure examination for teachers.

Beyond employment, the program also highlights the personal toll of working abroad—an experience shared by returning educators during the “Balik Turo: A Hero’s Journey Home” showcase.

For Teacher I Aylene Lara, who previously taught in Thailand, coming home meant healing from the emotional cost of separation.

“I didn’t want to work abroad for a long time because it isn’t easy. It was my first time being away from my family, but I had to because life is difficult," she said.

"My father died while I was away, and that is a pain I will carry with me for the rest of my life,” Lara added.

Now teaching in Cebu, Lara said the program helped fulfill her long-held dream.

“Iyong simpleng pangarap ko na makapagsuot ng uniporme ng DepEd, na makapagturo sa mga kabataang Pilipino at makapagturo sa Pilipinas, natupad because of the SPIMS program. Isang karangalan at utang na loob ko po na natupad ang dream ko at gumanda ang buhay ng pamilya ko,” she added.

(My simple dream of wearing the DepEd uniform, teaching Filipino youth, and teaching in the Philippines came true because of the SPIMS program. It is an honor and something I am deeply grateful for that my dream was fulfilled and my family’s life improved.)

Another returnee, Teacher III Veronica Dungog, who had worked in the United Arab Emirates, said the program eased her fears of unemployment upon returning home.

"Through SPIMS, I was assured that I could teach again. Within a year, I was deployed and I’m grateful to be a teacher again in our country," she said.

DepEd said the reintegration effort not only supports displaced OFW teachers but also helps address teacher shortages and strengthen the education workforce by tapping professionals with global experience.

Officials added that bringing teachers back home also promotes family stability, allowing them to continue their profession without the burden of long-term separation from their loved ones.—MCG, GMA News