DIPOLOG CITY (PIA) – Twenty returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) eagerly attended the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Forum on Innovation for Filipinos Working Distantly from the Philippines (iFWD PH) recently held in this city.
As one of the DOST’s flagship initiatives, the iFWD PH is designed to support OFWs seeking to establish technology-based businesses upon returning to the country by equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills, as well as financial assistance to better translate their overseas experiences and resources into sustainable livelihood.
The forum, through the DOST’s Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) in Zamboanga del Norte (ZDN), provided structured support systems that facilitated entrepreneurial ventures and promoted socio-economic reintegration.
The DOST PSTO-ZDN reaffirmed its commitment to empowering their beneficiaries as Senior Science Research Specialist Jelyn Bayonas presented the program’s framework, objectives, and available support mechanisms.
As a testament to the DOST’s commitment to empowering OFWs, Alfie Madridondo, a successful iFWD PH beneficiary, shared his insight into the program’s process and expressed his gratitude for not only the approval of his business proposal but the guidance he received along the way.
“Dako nakong pasalamat sa oportunidad nga gihatag sa DOST nga ako naka avail ug sa assistance under sa iFWD PH program. Ang pag-uswag ug kalambuan sa akong negosyo aduna nay katumanan. Malipay ko nga puhon kamo na usab ang makasinate ug mag testimony sa kalambuan sa inyong negosyo,” he said.
(I extend my deep gratitude to DOST for the opportunity they have given me under the iFWD PH program. It ensured my business’ success. I look forward to hearing your own success stories in the near future.)
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration also attended the event and presented their own programs and services.
For more information regarding the iFWD PH and other programs under the DOST, the public is encouraged to visit their PSTOs.
The PSTO-ZDN in located in Upper Turno, Dipolog City, near the Zamboanga del Norte National High School. (EDT/PJF/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)
