61 OFWs complete skills training for reintegration and empowerment
The skills training in Baking and Haircutting, Manicure, and Pedicure were among the continuous initiatives in extending Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) with better knowledge and skills that would be applicable to career improvement, financial self-sufficiency, and integration upon returning Philippines in the future.
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Welfare Officer Juvilyn Anns Gumabay and Migrant Workers Office Officer in Charge (OIC) Celia V. Cabadonga commended the graduates on their endeavor to become better persons and encouraged other OFWs to grab similar chances in the future.
In the morning session, 32 OFWs graduated from a baking skills training, while in the afternoon, 29 others completed training in hair cutting, manicure, and pedicure.
Participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity to enhance their capabilities while working abroad, highlighting the importance of such programs in broadening employment options and building long-term security for themselves and their families.
Ofelia Madriaga, 61, from Pamplona, Cagayan Valley, and a member of the PIN, was among the proud attendees of the recent training. A long-time household worker in Bahrain, Ofelia shared that this was not her first time joining such a program. She had previously completed a dressmaking training course, driven by her passion to improve herself.
'This is what I achieved as a housemaid,' she said with pride. 'Even though I'm a housemaid, I dreamed of developing my skills. I'm grateful to my madam, Nevien Sukhralla, who allowed me to attend, and to our embassy for this opportunity.'
Having worked for the same employer for 17 years, Ofelia is now thinking ahead.
'I'm planning to put up my own small business in the future when my career as a housemaid comes to an end,' she shared, her voice filled with hope and determination.
Her story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to dream, learn, and prepare for a better future.
Naida Duque, 67, with over 30 years of experience in the hair and beauty industry, was among the volunteer trainers who generously shared their expertise during the recent skills training sessions for OFWs.
A seasoned beautician, Naida worked at the prestigious Regency Hair Salon in the Regency Intercontinental Hotel from 2009 to 2014.
Afterward, she ventured into business with her daughter before returning to salon work until the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted operations.
When asked why she chose to volunteer, Naida shared a heartfelt reason: 'I want to give back. As an OFW myself, I understand the struggles. Sharing my skills is my way of helping others build confidence and a better future.'
Her contribution, along with that of fellow trainers Alma Maria Laqui, Aida Garay, and Rosalina Ortiz, reflects the true spirit of bayanihan—Filipinos lifting one another up, one skill at a time.
Meanwhile, in the Baking skills training, its instructor, Ivy Diana Bello Ancheta, is a passionate baker and entrepreneur behind IV Bakes, has been teaching baking for four years, since beginning her journey in 2021. She brings a learner-centered approach to her classes, ensuring that beginners and more experienced students alike gain confidence and understanding.
'I start with baking basics to build a strong foundation,' she explained. 'We focus on understanding ingredients, tools, and techniques. I guide students through common mistakes and how to correct them.'
What characterizes her teaching is the support and interactive nature of it. Each lesson is a combination of practice and demonstration, where students implement what they've learned because they get feedback in real-time.
'I make it engaging by answering questions, correcting the method, and providing tips above the recipes,' she said. 'I want migrant workers to leave here empowered—not just in baking, but in building a life for themselves.'
Her own business, IV Bakes, began life as a small home-based passion business. Bananalike cake, pandesal, cookies, and customized party cakes are just some of the offerings, and these are done with a personal touch, 'as if for family.'
In addition to selling baked goods, she also hosts fun, hands-on baking and decorating workshops, offering families and friends a chance to bond and create memories while learning valuable skills.
The baking program not only served as a skills enhancement training but also inspired OFWs to see baking as a potential business opportunity, one they can carry with them, whether staying abroad or returning home.
The Baking Class and Skills Training in Hair, Manicure, and Pedicure were facilitated through the joint efforts of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), the Philippine Embassy, and the Filipino community organization Pinay Ikaw Na (PIN).
These two-Friday sessions training initiatives were tailored to support Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), providing them with essential skills that will aid in their reintegration into Philippine society when they return home.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Post
17 hours ago
- Arabian Post
OPEC+ Set to Maintain Output Plans Despite Market Dynamics
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai OPEC+ is expected to maintain its current strategy on oil production levels when the Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee convenes on Monday, despite shifting market conditions. Key delegates from the oil-producing coalition indicated that there will be no immediate changes to the group's decision to increase output in August, which will see a rise of 548,000 barrels per day. The JMMC, comprising high-ranking officials from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, including Russia, is scheduled to meet at 1200 GMT. The outcome of this meeting has drawn considerable attention as global oil markets adjust to fluctuating demand patterns and supply conditions. ADVERTISEMENT Several OPEC+ delegates, speaking anonymously, stated that the group is unlikely to alter its course, with the decision to gradually increase production still firmly in place. 'There is a consensus that the demand recovery during the summer months is adequate to absorb the additional supply,' one source said. 'The market dynamics currently seem to support this increase, and we are committed to regaining lost market share.' Since the production cuts agreed upon in 2020 to counter the downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, OPEC+ has been slowly increasing its oil output in a phased approach. However, with global economies on a recovery path, the group is under increasing pressure to balance its output against rising demand, particularly in regions such as Asia and North America. While the rise in demand, particularly during the summer driving season, is helping to absorb the additional barrels, concerns have been voiced over the potential for global oil prices to soften. The overall impact of geopolitical tensions, the economic slowdown in key markets, and the risk of higher interest rates remain points of consideration for the group. However, OPEC+ delegates have indicated that their immediate focus will be on ensuring market stability while continuing to rebuild their market share lost during the pandemic. Experts also pointed out that a significant shift in the global oil market would need to occur before the JMMC meeting in order to warrant a change in strategy. For now, the consensus is that OPEC+ will stick with the current path to bolster its market position. The decision to implement production increases has thus far been perceived as cautious and calibrated, aimed at preventing market volatility while capitalising on seasonal demand. The continued commitment to raise output reflects OPEC+'s broader goal of restoring pre-pandemic production levels, despite the headwinds faced in navigating complex global markets. With increasing production from non-OPEC countries, including the United States and Brazil, OPEC+ is mindful of its position and market share but seeks to avoid dramatic shifts in strategy that could destabilise oil prices. The JMMC's decision will carry significant weight in shaping the oil market's near-term trajectory. While global oil inventories remain relatively tight, with a demand spike in the Northern Hemisphere, OPEC+ is closely monitoring the response of major economies to any potential macroeconomic uncertainties. The meeting will also likely set the tone for discussions in future OPEC+ summits, where longer-term strategies will be evaluated in light of emerging trends, particularly energy transitions.
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Khaleej Times
ECB keeps rates steady as it awaits clarity over trade
The European Central Bank left interest rates unchanged on Thursday after cutting eight times in a year, biding its time while Brussels and Washington negotiate over trade. The ECB cut its policy rate to 2% last month, halving it from 4% a year earlier, after taming a surge in prices that followed the end of the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. With inflation now back at the ECB's 2% goal and expected to stay there, policymakers chose to stay put on Thursday, just as trade talks between the European Union and Donald Trump's U.S. administration appeared to be in their final stretch. The ECB's policy-making Governing Council painted a balanced picture of the economy, with near-term uncertainty over trade offset by public investment further down the road. "Partly reflecting the Governing Council's past interest rate cuts, the economy has so far proven resilient overall in a challenging global environment," the ECB said. "At the same time, the environment remains exceptionally uncertain, especially because of trade disputes." As ECB President Christine Lagarde and her colleagues were in the middle of their meeting late on Wednesday, EU diplomats said the two sides were heading towards a deal that would result in a broad tariff of 15% on U.S. imports of European Union goods. This would be roughly halfway between the ECB's baseline and severe scenarios for the euro zone economy presented last month, but milder than Trump's threatened 30%. The ECB's estimate showed that higher U.S. tariffs would result in lower growth and, depending on the extent of EU retaliation, inflation in the euro zone over the medium term. "If the two sides indeed conclude such a deal, it would support our call that the euro zone economy can regain momentum from the fourth quarter onwards and that the ECB will not need to cut rates further," Berenberg economist Holger Schmieding said. In its statement the ECB said it would decide "meeting by meeting ... based on its assessment of the inflation outlook and the risks surrounding it". Money markets were still pricing in a further interest rate reduction, probably by March, as inflation was seen at risk of going too low. Even the ECB's baseline projection from June, which incorporates 10% tariffs from the United States, saw price growth below 2% over the next 18 months. "Even in the case of a benign outcome (i.e. U.S. tariffs around 10%) we still see scope for further easing as the disinflation process broadens," MUFG's Europe economist Henry Cook said. The euro zone economy is showing some tentative sign of acceleration but growth remains modest. Companies, while still optimistic about an upturn ahead, report starting to feel the pinch from tariffs on their profits. On the bright side, euro zone banks have seen rising loan demand and policy uncertainty has not yet translated into an economic or market downturn. After a short-lived selloff in April investors have taken the trade turmoil in their stride, with European equity indices close to new highs also thanks to Germany's newly found appetite for spending. In fact, erratic policy-making in the United States, including Trump's relentless criticism of the Federal Reserve, has lured foreign investors to euro zone assets. That briefly pushed the euro to its highest level against the dollar since September 2021 at $1.1829 earlier this month. ECB board member and outspoken hawk Isabel Schnabel even said the central bank should watch out for price hikes caused by tariffs and that the bar for further cuts was "very high". But the euro's appreciation has unnerved other policymakers, who fear a stronger currency would make European exports less competitive and contribute to pushing down inflation. "On that front, we would expect Christine Lagarde to strike a reassuring tone, reminding people that the ECB does not target exchange rates but that any resulting downward pressure on inflation will be addressed, if necessary," Julien Lafargue, chief market strategist at Barclays Private Bank, said.
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Al Etihad
17,600 Afghans hosted by UAE prior to departure to final destinations
24 July 2025 23:34 ABU DHABI (WAM)As part of its humanitarian commitment and swift response during crises, the United Arab Emirates hosted 17,619 Afghans who were evacuated from Afghanistan since August 2021, before their resettlement in third countries. This step was carried out in cooperation with international partners to support the Afghan people amid the exceptional circumstances the country Emirates Humanitarian City in Abu Dhabi received the Afghan evacuees, providing high-quality services and facilities before their departure to 21 final destinations. The total cost of the hosting amounted to Dh 1.384 billion ($ 367 million), providing a comprehensive framework for dignified temporary accommodation that met the full range of needs, particularly those of children, the elderly, and UAE also facilitated the evacuation of 41,000 individuals from Afghanistan, including Afghan citizens and foreign nationals residing in the country. Driven by its commitment to supporting friendly nations, the UAE responded to requests for assistance in evacuating their citizens from Afghanistan and facilitating their eventual return their stay, the UAE provided all essential needs to Afghan nationals, including healthcare, logistical and diplomatic services, and communications, in addition to shelter and food – ensuring their comfort, dignity, and well-being. Financial assistance was also provided to help families rebuild their lives in their final facilitate the resettlement process, all necessary departure services were provided within the Emirates Humanitarian City. This included the establishment of 17 embassy offices, along with offices for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and two offices for international non-governmental the healthcare domain, the UAE undertook extensive efforts to care for residents of the Emirates Humanitarian City – including Afghans and foreign nationals – especially during the COVID-19 crisis. These efforts included providing necessary vaccines and preventive treatments, with a total of 34,923 vaccines administered to all residents by specialised medical comprehensive healthcare services were offered to more than 303 newborns, while successfully completing over 303 surgeries across various specialities, including three critical cases treated abroad. In total, more than 254,572 medical services were provided throughout their temporary the field of educational and vocational training, the UAE provided education to more than 3,764 Afghans, including approximately 800 children enrolled in nurseries with school transportation and continuous follow-up. Authorities also organised more than 39 educational courses, in addition to vocational training and development workshops, which benefited 2,589 Afghan Emirates Humanitarian City facilities include outdoor courtyards, several playgrounds and entertainment facilities dedicated to children, women, and the elderly, in addition to a preventive healthcare centre. Residents also have access to the necessary means for sustenance, including medicine, food, and other essential supplies, reflecting the values and traditions of Emirati UAE is among the leading countries in providing aid to Afghanistan, and has spared no effort in assisting the Afghan people. This reflects the country's humanitarian message, rooted in values of peace, consolidating coexistence, tolerance, and the principles of human fraternity. In addition, the UAE is committed to reinforcing solidarity with nations enduring the most challenging its founding, the UAE has prioritised human dignity and people's well-being as a cornerstone to the country's approach – regardless of ethnic, religious, or geographical backgrounds. This value aligns with the country's noble humanitarian principles, which have become a global symbol of generosity and giving. Notably, the UAE ranks among the top donor countries to Afghanistan. Over the past three years alone, the UAE has provided Dh 740 million in humanitarian and relief aid, including the establishment of an air bridge to deliver hundreds of tonnes of relief and food supplies, which benefited more than one million people – primarily children, the elderly, and women. The UAE also provided medical assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic and opened 10 maternity and women's healthcare centres across seven Afghan provinces.
