The Tarlac Small and Medium Enterprise Development (SMED) Council has vowed to support overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) through various programs, its officials said during the council’s first quarter meeting.
According to Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Office (PCEDO) Head Marvi Dela Cruz, OFWs in Italy shared their concerns with the council, prompting the provincial government to pursue initiatives to support them.
“We are targeting to conduct a financial literacy seminar for OFWs and their families before they leave the country to educate them on investing in income-generating assets which can also boost our economy in the province,” Dela Cruz said.
PCEDO, together with the Provincial Public Employment Service Office (PESO, is planning to launch an OFW Help Desk located at PESO Building in San Isidro in Tarlac City.
Department of Science and Technology Provincial Director Karen Dañez mentioned a specific program for OFWs called Innovations for Filipinos Working Distantly from the Philippines (iFWD PH).
“The objective of iFWD PH is to provide opportunities for the OFWs and their families to establish technology-based enterprises,” Dañez said.
“We are assisting OFWs in terms of skills training and providing certifications which are recognized internationally,” she said.
Department of Trade and Industry OIC-Provincial Director Zaida Garibay said her agency was also working to assist OFWs who want to engage in business through their Negosyo Centers.
