ZAMBOANGA CITY, January 26, 2016 - The provision of social and welfare services to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) form part of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration's (OWWA) mandate and this has been reflected in the services freely availed by OFWs in Zamboanga Peninsula. One such program is the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills training aimed to bridge the communication gap through the use of internet between the OFW and his/her family. Through this program, OFWs and their dependents learn how to use basic applications like Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. But for Abunaim A. Jainal, the ICT Skills training did not only help him connect with his family and friends but it also opened another door of opportunity in the world of employment.

Jainal, 38 years old, a resident of Barangay Tetuan, Zamboanga City, worked as warehouseman in Al-Mouwasat Hospital, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 2011 to 2013. After finishing his contract with his previous employer, he returned to the Philippines and became jobless. Fortunately, he was informed of the free training programs offered by OWWA and immediately signed up at the OWWA-Regional Welfare Office IX for the ICT Skills training under IT Instructor Najib Salapuddin.

"Sa loob ng isang buwan ay masasabi ko na marami akong natutunan tungkol sa pag-gamit ng computer, madali akong natuto dahil na rin sa tulong ng aming instructor," confesses Jainal as he recounts his experience. Students under the course are taught the basics of word processing and the proper usage of the internet among others. They are also provided with individual computer units all throughout the training for an enhanced learning experience.

This particular encounter kick-started his journey to employment. Right after obtaining his certification from OWWA, Jainal applied as an encoder for a government agency in ARMM. The said agency hired him right away at which he displayed the skills he obtained from the ICT Skills training. With this, he is able to earn for his family's needs. Jainal owes it to OWWA for letting him avail the said training.

"Iba talaga ang pakiramdam ko ngayong natuto ako sa pamamagitan ng programa ng OWWA. Noon kasi hindi talaga ako marunong kahit man lamang magbukas ng computer. Kaya malaki talaga ang pasasalamat ko sa OWWA," he said.

Regional Director Hassan Gabra T. Jumdain assures OWWA members in his statement: "We are inviting our OFWs, whether they are vacationing or inactive, and their dependents to avail of the free programs offered by OWWA. Our ICT Skills training is free and is a productive way of spending their free time. Our clients can be assured that they can be accommodated on a first come, first served basis since we have more than enough computer units for the training."

For more information on how to avail of OWWA's programs and services, visit our office at 3rd Floor Goodwill Center, Mayor Jaldon St., Canelar, Zamboanga City or contact us at (062) 991-2785

Karen Grafia

About OWWA:

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), an attached agency of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), is the lead government agency tasked to protect and promote the welfare and well-being of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their dependents.