POLO’s training instructors given their due

 The Philippine Overseas Labor Office and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration expressed its appreciation to all training  instructors for its reintegration program for Filipino workers in the CNMI.

Labor attaché Carmelina F. Velasquez and welfare officer Julie Fabian gathered the instructors in a meeting at the Filipino Workers Resource Center last Saturday.

“We owe it all to you. We won’t be able to accomplish what we have without your involvement and contributions,” Velasquez told some 14 instructors.

During the meeting, Velasquez also urged the instructors to continue inspiring Filipinos in the Commonwealth through the courses that they teach and to let their kababayans know that something can happen out of their classes.

Velasquez underscored the need for “success stories” or for reintegration program graduates to translate their acquired skills into an actual business in the Philippines.

“We are here to help Filipino workers to achieve that,” said Velasquez as she reiterated the OFW Reintegration Loan Program of the Aquino administration, which aims to provide Filipino workers with loans to start their own businesses.

“This is our time to give back,” Velasquez said. “Saipan has been very supportive through their help in the Tuloy Aral program that it’s time for us to help you.”

Velasquez, who will conclude her two-year tour of duty next week, assured continuity in the reintegration program and coordination with instructors through Fabian.

The instructors welcomed the assurance and also made suggestions to improve the program such as conducting a retreat for instructors and extending the length of the business management course to better educate as well as motivate Filipino workers to become entrepreneurs.

Jhun Bañadera, who teaches business management, said in an interview that the Consulate and POLO’s plan to “level up” instruction and focus it on establishing businesses is timely.

“We’re not getting any younger. The way I see it, if you want to improve your life, the only way to do it is to have your own successful business,” the accountant at Saipan Shipping told Saipan Tribune.

Zaldy Quebral, for his part, said the reintegration program is a great program that should be maintained to help Filipino workers acquire skills that they can use to better their lives.

“Even with Ms. Velasquez gone, I know Ms. Julie will carry on with the program and she can rely on my full support,” added Quebral.