Philippines
National
DOST has 'a heart' for returning OFWs affected by COVID-19 pandemic
DOST has 'a heart' for returning OFWs affected by COVID-19 pandemic
For this month of love, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has a gift for returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who were affected by coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña said they are extending "support and opportunities” to the OFWs and their families through the agency’s implementation of the iFWD PH or Innovations for Filipinos Working Distantly from the Philippines Program.
"Ngayong Pebrero ay buwan ng mga puso at nais kong ibahagi sa inyo na ang DOST ay may puso din para sa ating OFWs na naapektuhan ng pandemya. May program na tayo na tutugon sa mga pangangailangang pangkabuhayan ng mga OFWs na nagnanais ng manatili sa bansa at makapagsimula ng sarili nilang negosyo para makasama na nila ang kanilang pamilya at mga mahal sa buhay. (This February is a month of hearts and I would like to share that the DOST has a heart for our OFWs who were affected by the pandemic. We have a program that would respond to the livelihood needs of our OFWs who wish to stay in the country and start their own business to be with their families and loved ones) ,” he told the participants of the Innovation Conference of the Dominican Schools hosted by Siena College held on Monday, Feb. 15.
The DOST Chief noted that early last year, the DOST launched the pro-OFWs program.
"The program provides support and opportunities for OFWs and their families to establish technology-based enterprises in the country through trainings and webinar sessions including technology pitching and technical consultancies,” he said.
“Those who can complete the training will be qualified to apply for an innovation fund for technical trainings, product development and market testing, operational consultancy services, initial laboratory testing, packaging and labeling design and execution for market testing, and equipment acquisition.”
He said they are working closely with the Overseas Workers Welfare Organization, Office of the Presidential Advisor on OFWs, and the Entrepinoy Volunteers Foundation Inc. Innovation to ensure the full-blown implementation of the program.