OWWA provides free IT training to OFWs and their dependents

Davao City – Part of the programs and services of OWWA is the Information Technology (IT) Training Program. It is a computer literacy program that provides OFWs and their families training and access to technology intended to bridge the communication gap between the OFW and his/her family and allow them to communicate with each other through the Internet.

The training is open to all active and inactive OWWA members and their families.

They are entitled to a ten-day IT training which is provided for free. IT Instructor, Delfa J. Valenzuela, provides Fundamentals on the basic Computer Operation, Word Processing (Microsoft Word), Spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel), Presentation (Microsoft PowerPoint), Desktop Publishing  (MS Publisher and Adobe Photoshop), Digital Media (Movie Maker) and Internet Fundamentals (Skype, making Facebook account, googlemail, downloading music & movies, uploading pictures). An examination after the discussion of every topic is given to the students to test their ability.

As of March 31, 2016, a total of 386 OFWs and families avail of the training program. Of this number, 212 are OFWs while 174 are dependents. Every year, the number of availees increased because most of the OFW families want to become computer literate to easily communicate with their loved ones abroad. From 2014 to 2015, the region was able to provide free IT training to 4,605 OFWs and dependents.

Classes are held daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Regional Welfare Office in Monteverde St., Davao City.

Recently, new batch of availees completed the training program.  Among them was OFW Ruben Juegos, 53 years old, Quality Control Inspector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He was on his vacation and due to return to his work on April 2016. “I am so thankful that I was able to avail of the IT training which really enhanced my skills. I took the advantage of availing the said training because I only have a little knowledge in computers”, he said. 

Ms. Zenobia L. Caro, Chief, Programs and Services Division, encouraged the graduates to make use of the computer lessons and applications they have learned. “We hope that what you have learned in this 10-day training will be applied in your respective works and business ventures”, said Ms. Caro in her inspirational message during the awarding of certificates last March 23, 2016.

Former OFW like Ronelyn Achacoso availed of the training in 2014 and able to use her computer learning in her handicraft business. Now, she is promoting her products through the internet.

Last year, IT community outreach program was held in some municipalities of Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley Province. It aims to provide computer literacy to OFWs and their families who cannot afford to go to the Regional Welfare Office to avail of the program. With this intervention, they were able to acquire knowledge on computers without spending much of their time and money.  (OWWA Press Release)