The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday, March 2, reiterated its support for Filipino teachers in the Middle East, encouraging those affected by the evolving security situation to return home through the government’s reintegration program.

In a statement, DepEd reaffirmed its support for Filipino teachers working in the Middle East who may be affected by the security situation, assuring them of a structured reintegration pathway should they decide to return home.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara underscored the agency’s commitment to returning educators.

“Sa mga gurong Pilipino sa Gitnang Silangan at sa iba pang panig ng mundo, bukas ang pintuan ng ating mga pampublikong paaralan para sa inyo (To Filipino teachers in the Middle East and in other parts of the world, the doors of our public schools are open for you),” Angara said.

“Kung magpapasya kayong umuwi, kasama ninyo ang DepEd sa panibagong yugto ng inyong paglilingkod (If you decide to come home, DepEd will be with you in this new chapter of your service),” he added.

Through the “Sa Pinas, Ikaw ang Ma’am at Sir” (SPIMS) Program, DepEd, in coordination with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), offers licensed overseas Filipino teachers the opportunity to transition into the country’s public school system.

Under the SPIMS Program, DepEd said qualified applicants may be hired and appointed as Teacher I under permanent status, subject to compliance with qualification standards and existing hiring guidelines.

SPIMS is a reintegration convergence initiative led by the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (DMW-NRCO) and implemented in partnership with DepEd and other key education agencies, including the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

The program ensures institutional coordination to facilitate a structured and orderly transition of returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) into the Philippine public education system.

DepEd said the initiative not only provides employment opportunities for returning teachers but also helps address teacher shortages in support of the country’s K to 12 Basic Education Program curriculum.

Specifically, SPIMS aims to provide gainful employment to OFW Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) passers, strengthen the public school teaching workforce, and offer online refresher courses to update pedagogical competencies in line with current educational standards.

Who can apply?

DepEd said eligible applicants must be Filipino citizens or Philippine passport holders, be LET passers, have at least one year of accumulated teaching experience within the last five years, and must not have resided in the Philippines for more than three consecutive years based on their latest arrival record.

Applicants are required to submit documents such as a valid PRC ID, Certificate of Board Rating, and proof of overseas employment.

For application guidelines and documentary requirements, DepEd said teachers may coordinate directly with the DMW or the NRCO through their official channels.

DepEd emphasized that Filipino teachers abroad play a vital role in elevating the country’s global reputation in education and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the domestic teacher workforce.

As security concerns persist in parts of the Middle East, the department assured overseas Filipino educators that support mechanisms remain in place, reinforcing the government’s broader commitment to both migrant workers and the Philippine education sector.

DepEd said the SPIMS provides a pathway to permanent public school teaching positions in the Philippines.