Graduates of “Matuto sa Gunting at Suklay” (Basic Hair Cutting and Styling Course) pose for a photo with Ambassador Christopher B. Montero (1st row, 4th right), Labor Attaché Melissa Mendizabal 1st row, 3rd right), Overseas Workers Welfare Officer Anwar Ampang (1st row, 2nd right), Filipino Association President Malou Wong (1st row, 4th left), and lecturer Mr. Richard Casyao (1st row, 2nd left).
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN 22 September 2020 – Forty-four (44) Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Brunei Darussalam successfully completed a basic haircutting and styling course (Matuto sa Gunting at Suklay) under the Philippine Government’s Reintegration Program for OFWs.
In his message to the course participants at the completion ceremony, Philippine Ambassador Christopher B. Montero underscored that, notwithstanding the pandemic, the Philippine Government remains committed to upgrade the skills of OFWs for their eventual reintegration to Philippine society. He strongly encouraged the participants to continuously learn and enhance their knowledge and skills in order to gradually break the cycle of seeking employment abroad to support their families back home.
The skills enhancement course, which was conducted in accordance with the safety guidelines and protocols on mass gatherings of the Ministry of Health of Brunei Darussalam, commenced on 28 August 2020 and held on four (4) Sunday sessions where participants learned basic and practical tips in hair cutting and styling, and practical workshops. Mr. Richard V. Caysao, an OFW who operates and manages a salon in Bandar Seri Begawan, served as course lecturer, for free.
On behalf of the participants, a testimonial was delivered by Mr. Alvin Pascual, a nurse working at the Brunei Neuroscience, Stroke and Rehabilitation, Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre. He narrated his journey to being a nurse in Brunei Darussalam, as well as his aspiration of going back to the Philippines and starting his own business. He thanked the Embassy for offering a platform for OFWs to learn new skills, broaden their knowledge, and enhance confidence in their workplaces.
The implementation of the course was done in collaboration with Post’s Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and the Overseas Worker Welfare Administration Office (OWWA), and in partnership with the Filipino Association (FA) of Brunei, the lone umbrella organization of Filipino organizations in the Sultanate. END
Upper photo: Ambassador Christopher B. Montero delivers his message of congratulations to the graduates. Bottom photo: Ambassador Montero, with Labor Attache Melissa Mendizabal and OWWA Officer Anuar Ampang, presents a Certificate of Appreciation to the course lecturer, Mr. Richard Casyao 
Course lecturer Mr. Richard Casyao teaches participants on basic cutting during the workshop sessions 
Ambassador Christopher B. Montero presents a Certificate of Appreciation to Ms. Malou Wong, President of the Filipino Association of Brunei, with the other officers of the Association.
