Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are often referred to as modern-day heroes.
They work abroad in various jobs to support their families and make significant contributions to the Philippine economy.
However, some OFWs decide to return home because they find it increasingly difficult to cope with the challenges of life abroad.
To support their reintegration, the Philippine government has implemented various programs and agencies designed to assist returning OFWs.
One is the “Balik Bayani sa Turismo” program.
This initiative, offered by the Department of Tourism (DOT) in partnership with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), provides capacity-building and skills training for OFWs and their immediate families.
The program focuses on teaching participants how to start, operate, and sustain a livelihood business.
Participants select their training preferences from an information sheet, which helps determine their needs and collect data for profiling OFWs by region.
In Region 1, participants have chosen culinary training as their preferred option.
Consequently, the program is named “Balik Bayani sa Turismo: Tourism Kulinarya Training.”
This program enhances culinary skills, including proper hygiene in food preparation, food safety and presentation, and understanding culinary laws and regulations.
Led by Chef Ellen Rivera, the training provided a three-day culinary course for 41 reintegrated OFWs who availed of the program in Lingayen, Pangasinan, from August 7 to 9.
DMW Assistant Secretary Venecio Legaspi stated that Lingayen had been chosen as the pilot location for the project aimed at showcasing and promoting its renowned local delicacy, “bagoong.”
In collaboration with the DOT, the Balik Bayani sa Turismo program will continue to be offered nationwide.
“To our OFWs and their families, our government has programs dedicated to you, just like those for returning OFWs. The DMW has regional offices where you can learn about the programs available to you,” Legaspi said.
Meanwhile, DOT Assistant Secretary Maria Rica Bueno noted that the program has three components.
The first component is the livelihood training alternatives offered to OFWs.
The second is “Teach It Forward,” which values the experience and knowledge that OFWs gain abroad.
The third component focuses on investments in tourism by OFWs.
“The government wants to ensure that when you return, you have opportunities to become part of the thriving tourism industry in our country. Tourism is everybody’s business, including OFWs and their families,” Bueno said.
Stella Bulatao, a former OFW from Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and a participant in the culinary training, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity provided.
“I want to start a business here, so I joined culinary training to learn about the canteen business and, if fortunate, open a restaurant. This training has been very helpful for us OFWs, as we’ve gained a lot of knowledge about culinary techniques and how to start a business,” Bulatao said.
Each OFW or immediate family member is eligible for one training program under the Balik Bayani sa Turismo initiative.
All training programs are provided at no cost, with the exception of regional tour guiding courses, which require a minimal contribution from participants.
Returning OFWs and their immediate family members who are interested in careers in the tourism industry can apply for the program by fulfilling the following requirements: submission of the OFW information sheet, endorsement from DMW, and completion of the pre-training survey.
After completing the application requirements, applicants can submit their registration and any further inquiries or concerns to [email protected].
The government remains committed to expanding opportunities and providing support for these modern-day heroes.
By offering these programs, it will facilitate the successful reintegration of returning OFWs, helping them to find rewarding employment and contribute to the vibrant tourism sector in the country. (AMB/EMSA/JSZ/PIA Pangasinan)
