DOST launches Tulong-Kababayan program for Libya OFWs

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) opens  doors of opportunities to Filipino Overseas Workers on voluntary repatriation from Libya to seek alternative means of livelihood through the DOST’s Tulong-Kababayan program.

This new program initiated by Sec. Mario G. Montejo, will provide free livelihood training to OFWs who were displaced and voluntarily repatriated from Libya. Affected OFWs  and their families can avail at DOST’s Technology Resource Center’s (TRC) various  hands-on livelihood trainings such as production of flavored and fortified juice,  layers (table egg) production, manufacture of fashion accessories, herbal bath soap, perfumes and colognes, among others.  Affected OFWs and their families who are management-oriented can also avail of other trainings such as a business operation, event planning and management, setting up a domestic ticketing office for airlines and shipping companies, bakery management, and others.

“This is our way of helping our displaced OFWs to quickly get back on track to being productive anew,” said DOST Secretary Mario Montejo. “We want to show to our people that they can start again through DOST’s technology training courses that will enable them to venture into entrepreneurship and business."

“DOST’s Tulong-Kababayan also offers free assistance to these affected OFWs who want to avail of microfinancing through DOST-TRC’s partner institutions,” added DOST-TRC Director General Dennis Cunanan.

The program aims to assist OFWs who voluntarily repatriated from Libya, including their families, to return to the mainstream and become productive again through various livelihood and business options.

DOST-TRC is the science agency’s arm in providing technology-based products and services for livelihood and enterprise development of Filipinos. Particularly, it provides  expert business and livelihood technology training courses that can transform ideas into practice and profits.

Interested OFWs may contact DOST-TRC’s Rene Oxina at the TRC office in 103 J. Abad Santos, Little Baguio, San Juan City or at telephone number 727-6205.  OFWs going home to the provinces may contact DOST’s regional offices through the office of Usec. for Regional Operations Carol  Yorobe at telephone number 837-2944. Available trainings this March 2011 can be viewed at http://www.trc.dost.gov.ph/ (S&T Media Service)