30 March 2005 --  The Philippine Embassy in Brunei reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that it has resumed its Livelihood Program for OFWs  this year with the Basic Literacy Course on 20 March 2005 at the Embassy Chancery.

Nearly 40 participants, mostly Filipinos engaged in the services sector, attended the course that will run for three consecutive Sundays under the tutelage of a group of Filipino accountants in Brunei.

In her inspirational message at the launching ceremony, Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez said that the Basic Computer Course has greatly benefited and helped the OFWs in Brunei to be computer-literate and globally competitive. “Their acquired knowledge in computer has provided them with an alternative mode of communications with their families in the Philippines, via the internet, and would help facilitate their reintegration into Philippine society once their employment contracts abroad end.”

Currently running on its third year, the Livelihood Program has produced more than 1,000 OFW-graduate for the past two years and continues to generate interest among the Filipino workers in Brunei.   Encouraged by this positive response from the Filipino community, the Embassy has again lined up several livelihood and skills upgrading courses for the entire year as part of its continuing objective to contribute to the skills upgrading and capacity building of the OFWs in Brunei.

The courses are conducted with the help of talented and unselfish volunteer Filipino individuals and organizations. END
 

/jay