OFW returnees get skills training

CEBU, Philippines - At least 17 women OFW-returness from Bahrain and other parts of the troubled Middle East countries have successfully completed their skills training on Thai Body and Foot massage under the “Balik Pinay, Balik Hanapbuhay” project of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

DOLE 7 Acting Regional Director Exequiel R. Sarcauga said the 17 beneficiaries of the project received their certificate of completion and livelihood starter kits after 40 hours of Nuat Thai body and foot massage.

From the 22 original Balik Pinay, Balik Hanapbuhay Project beneficiaries, only 17 finished the training course and received their individual Livelihood Starter Kits. The training started last July and was culminated recently. 

According to Sarcauga, the project intends to improve the socio-economic well-being of women OFW-returnees through livelihood skills training interventions. The trainees were returnees from the Middle East countries of Kuwait, UAE, KSA, Jordan & Israel and from Asia countries like Singapore, Taiwan, Hongkong & Malaysia. 

Kenneth Carredo, owner of Nuat Thai Body and Food Massage, offered the group his two new franchises.

Carredo said that his offer is freely given without additional cost for the structure and facilities, for these will be shouldered by the requesting companies.

40-year-old Dolorosa Zamora, a former OFW who worked in four countries (Malaysia, Hongkong, Singapore and Dubai), said that this opportunity is something she will cherish and is thankful to the government for.

Zamora said her dream to stay and start a business that can support her family will now happen with this chance the government gave through the Balik Pinay, Balik Hanapbuhay. — (FREEMAN)