Gov’t expands K2K program to strengthen reintegration of returning OFWs

Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families join Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion, First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos, and other government officials during the 2024 Balik-Bayan Summit. File photo MANILA, Philippines — The government on Monday expanded the Kaalaman Tungo sa Kabuhayan (K2K) program to provide returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) with more opportunities for skills training, employment, and livelihood as they reintegrate into their communities. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) led the signing of a joint memorandum circular institutionalizing the expanded implementation of the program through a partnership with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). READ: Options for returning OFWs Article continues after this advertisement Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino said the agreement aims to ensure that OFWs receive continued government support not only while working abroad but also upon returning home. “[The JMC] should serve as a strengthened bridge between arrival and departure. Our job today, after signing that document, is to ensure that we do not just serve our kababayans abroad, protect them while abroad, but ensure that they are empowered when they return,” Tolentino said. The said circular is expected to to help returning OFWs build sustainable sources of income and successfully reintegrate into their communities by providing industry-responsive skills training, competency assessment and certification, employment facilitation, and sustainable livelihood opportunities “through a coordinated, whole-of-government framework.” Tolentino pointed out that beyond deploying Filipinos overseas, the government must ensure that they have access to the right skills through TESDA and proper job matching through DOLE’s employment facilitation services in coordination with the Public Employment Service Offices. READ: Marcos eyes jobs for returning OFWs from Middle East Article continues after this advertisement The signing ceremony was held at the DMW’s central office in Mandaluyong City on Monday, July 20, with Tolentino, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, TESDA Director General Jose Francisco Benitez, and OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan present. Some of the training programs offered through K2K are artificial intelligence and digital skills, tourism and hospitality, health care services, agriculture, and entrepreneurship./dp Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.