Graduates of the Basic Computer Training and Basic Baking Course pose for a photo with Ambassador Christopher B. Montero (middle), Labor Attaché Melissa Mendizabal 3rd from right), OWWA Welfare Officer Anwar Ampao (2nd from right) and training instructors.
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN 15 DECEMBER 2020 – Not even a pandemic can deter the yearning of OFWs in Brunei Darussalam to acquire new knowledge and upgrade their skills for a better future.
At graduation ceremonies held on 14 December 2020 at the Philippine Embassy, ninety-four (94) Overseas Filipino Workers completed the skills enhancement programs under the PH Government’s Reintegration Program for OFWs.
The programs consisted of a Basic Computer Course and a Basic Baking course that were carried out by Philippine Embassy, in accordance with existing health protocols and safety guidelines of the government of Brunei Darussalam.
A total of 41 OFWs completed the Basic Computer Course that was held from 01 November to 05 December 2020 in partnership with the Cosmopolitan College of Commerce and Technology. Two separate classes composed of 14 Household Service Workers (HSWs) and 27 skilled/semi-skilled workers received their Certificates of Completion during the ceremonies.
A total of 53 OFWs (11 HSWs and 41 skilled/semi-skilled workers) completed the Basic Baking Course that was held in four (4) batches of one-day sessions. The classes were conducted by Mr. Abegael L. Vinluan, a Filipino baker in the Sultanate, who gave a hands-on lecture on baking red velvet cake, carrot cake, pandesal, chocolate chunk cookies and chocolate chip cookies.
In his inspirational message, Ambassador Christopher B. Montero strongly encouraged the graduates to continue learning new knowledge and upgrading their skills in order to expand their employment opportunities. He underscored the government’s goal of working towards eventually turning overseas employment as an option or choice instead of a necessity for Filipinos so that families will no longer be separated from each other just to make ends meet.
During the ceremony, OFW-graduates Ms. Gemma Mosquisa and Karen Catig Paloma delivered testimonies expressing their gratitude to the Embassy on the new learnings and livelihood skills gained from the training, which they said can help facilitate a productive return to the Philippines upon their completion of overseas employment.
Labor Attaché Melissa C. Mendizabal welcomed the graduates and gave a brief overview of the livelihood trainings/seminars for OFWs under the Reintegration Preparedness Program of OWWA which aims to provide them with additional livelihood skills. END
Ambassador Montero delivers his congratulatory message to the OFW graduates. 
Labor Attaché Melissa C. Mendizabal welcomes the graduates at the start of the ceremony. 
Graduates receive their Certificates from Ambassador Montero and Embassy officials. 