Before overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Korea feel the negative effects of the global financial crisis and lose their jobs, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is ready for an intervention. The DOLE had sent a team to Korea that will help OFWs there start profitable endeavors and find alternative jobs.

The three-man team from DOLE includes staff from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO).

Labor Secretary, Marianito Roque said that under DOLE Administrative Order No. 42, series of 2009, part of the duties of the DOLE team is to recognize companies in Korea who employs OFWs and are on the risk of retrenching workers.

The DOLE team would then meet with OFWs at risk of losing their jobs so they can help them find new ones by taking into consideration their job profiles and skills and match and refer them to companies in need of their services. Companies where and OFW may be referred can be in Korea or in Philippine local firms.

Meanwhile, OFWs who needs skills enhancements would receive training by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). They will be given

scholarship training vouchers from TESDA.

Roque informed that with the voucher, an OFW can begin TESDA training immediately upon return to the Philippines. The training would focus on developing skills and that would increase one’s employability locally and overseas.

For OFWs who choose to set up their own business rather than continue working in Korea, the DOLE team would provide livelihood orientation. The team would help aspiring entrepreneurs start livelihood projects and in preparing their business proposals.