LAOAG CITY – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is calling on repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the province to enhance their knowledge and skills as the opportunity they may be looking for could just be around the corner.
Kent Ramil, project assistant II of the DOST Provincial Science and Technology Center in Ilocos Norte, said Tuesday they are currently implementing a project called, "iFWD PH: Innovations for Filipinos Working Distantly from the Philippines” to assist pandemic-affected OFWs in order for them to establish an alternative livelihood right at the comfort of their families back home.
“The project aims to provide them with opportunities to help them realized their dreams here in the country," he said citing there are two phases in the project.
According to Ramil, Phase 1 involves attending a series of webinars as the interested participants will be trained for various livelihood and technology-based enterprises as a start-up.
“After completing the webinars, they will be assessed by the Regional Office if they qualify for Phase 2,” he said.
Phase 2 will consist of funding support for the establishment of technology-based enterprises.
Aside from the provision and access to technology-based entrepreneurship advisors, personnel of the DOST will likewise provide free technical assistance, use of DOST facilities, and network and linkages with the target beneficiaries.
As of this posting, the DOST is now accepting applicants to be submitted at the iFWD PH portal at https://ifwdph.dost.gov.ph/.
Eligible applicants are OFWs with no existing contract overseas and who returned to the country within the last three years.
If with existing contract, the OFW should have a family member who shall continue with the training and is capable of establishing and managing the business later on.
Among the requirements to be submitted include a filled out DOST iFWD PH profiling questionnaire, photocopy of passport and latest disembarkation and a self-certification of no existing contract.
The submission of requirements is not later than April 30, 2021. (PNA)
