17 September 2023, Seoul-Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in South Korea participate in the 2nd season of the 2023 Livelihood Skills Training Program series organized by the Philippine Embassy and the Migrant Workers Office - Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (MWO-OWWA) in Seoul starting in August 2023.

The program aims to inform the OFWs about the livelihood support program and services of OWWA for OFWs, and provide them with the basic investment tips and introductory skills on the various start-up livelihood projects which they can easily undertake to supplement their family incomes or as part of their reintegration plans.

Ambassador Ma. Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega welcomed the enthusiasm of OFWs to spend their weekends attending activities initiated by the Embassy and MWO-OWWA such as the information sessions, labor education, and skills trainings. "We are inspired by the big number of registrants and attendees to these activities designed for our OFWs and other Filipinos living in South Korea, and we are committed to support their development, welfare and reintegration plans through relevant initiatives such as these", the Ambassador said.

For the 4-Sunday Basic Barista class held from August 27, 2023, over fifty (50) OFW participants learned how to prepare the basic coffee drinks, fruit juices, and cool ades usually served in cafes through lectures and actual workshops conducted by Ms. Margielyn Torres, a Filipino migrant in Korea and experienced barista. On the opening day of the training CFO Chairperson, Secretary Romulo V. Arugay graced the event together with Consul General Romulo Victor Israel, Jr.

For the 5-Saturday Basic Baking Skills class held from September 2, 2023, resource speaker Ms. Mary Ann Nunez, an OFW and entrepreneur, taught preparation of popular bakery products such as pandesal, pan de coco, Spanish bread, assorted cookies, pastries and cupcakes to a 2-batchclass of about more than sixty (60) OFWs. After the training, the participants expressed their interest in putting up cafe and bakeries when they return to the Philippines.

Ms. Nora T. Abarientos, a Filipino marriage migrant in Korea, conducted the Korea Side-Dish (or Banchan) Making on September 17, 2023 to over forty (40) participants. OFWs learned how to prepare popular dishes such as fresh cabbage kimchi, stir-fried anchovies, seasoned spinach, fried pumpkin, and japchae.

According to Welfare Officer Aniceta Deuna, the participants conveyed that the skills trainings held every weekend did not only provide them new skills but promoted productive interactions, mentoring support for orderly reintegration, and positive camaraderie among themselves and their teachers.

For the next sessions, the Bartending classes will start on October 14, while the Basic Videography classes will commence on October 15. All classes are being held for free at the Embassy's Migrant Workers and other Filipinos Resource Center. For further announcements, please visit the Embassy and MWO-Korea's FB pages. -END-