DMW eyes upskilling of domestic helpers

MANILA, Philippines — With the growing market for caregivers in European countries, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) plans to upskill Filipino domestic helpers.

Migrant Workers Undersecretary Patricia Yvonne Caunan said the DMW is working with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for the upskilling of domestic workers to become qualified caregivers, with the increasing demand for caregivers abroad.

“There are now markets outside our usual markets like Israel and Japan when it comes to caregivers. Now, slowly, Europe is seeing the potential of our caregivers,” she noted.

“This will be a huge opportunity for domestic workers to increase their salaries, and provide them a natural promotion into the care economy, as caregivers,” Caunan added.

According to the DMW, European countries such as Slovenia, Finland, Austria, Romania, the Czech Republic and Croatia have been identified as emerging markets for OFWs, though the Middle East remains the top destination for them.