March 29, 2024

The Department of Science and Technology held a graduation ceremony for overseas Filipino workers who are beneficiaries of the phase 1 of the Innovations for Filipinos Working Distantly from the Philippines (iFWD PH) Program on Oct. 30 via Zoom teleconferencing and the DOST Facebook page.

The iFWD PH is a program initiated by the DOST to empower returning OFWs who would like to settle permanently in the country, particularly in their respective provinces, and equip them with the needed skills and expertise to put up their own startup technology-based companies.

The program provides technical and financial assistance in collaboration with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Overseas Filipino Workers, Overseas Workers Welfare Association, and Entrepinoy Volunteers Foundation, Inc.

In the past three months, OFWs enrolled in the program have been exposed to different teknolokal or DOST technology pitching sessions, and teknokonsultasyon or technical advisory meetings with experts from the various DOST research and development institutes.

Thirteen core business development modules for Paano ba mag-negosyo sessions were also provided to develop key skills in conceptualizing and establishing technology-based businesses as part of the phase 1 of the program or the capacity building for the development and management of technology-based enterprise.

The completion of the first phase is a prerequisite for phase 2 or the innovation funding for technology-based enterprise.

There are 59 OFWs graduates from the phase 1 of the program who will be endorsed to DOST regional offices for application to phase 2.

As the DOST continues to encourage more returning OFWs to venture into entrepreneurship that will spur economic activities in the regions, the application for the next batch for iFWD PH phase 1 will be opened early next year.

For more information, contact DOST through 8519-8702 or 0966-634-4790, or through email at [email protected] and visit their website at ncr.dost.gov.ph.  – Press release