Pool of trainers assembly kicks off reintegration preparedness drive

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Twenty-five participants attended the inaugural meeting of the Pool of Trainers for the Reintegration Preparedness Program (RPP) – Training of Trainers (ToT) held at the Sentro Rizal Hall, Philippine Embassy, marking a key step in supporting smoother reintegration of returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

This initiative, a collaboration between the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and Eagle Mind Consultancies Co. WLL, aimed at enhancing facilitation skills and raising awareness about reintegration and financial literacy, acknowledging that working abroad is a temporary pursuit that necessitates proactive planning.

For many years, numerous returning OFWs have faced difficulties such as financial management, entrepreneurship, employment reintegration, and adapting to social changes.

The RPP aims to address these issues through organized training focused on financial literacy, sustainable livelihoods, and psychosocial readiness.

Adding further importance to the event, Labor Attaché Orville Ballitoc of the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) honored the occasion with his presence and conveyed his support for the initiatives aimed at fostering reintegration readiness among OFWs in the Kingdom.

Presentation

A follow-up mock-up presentation held at Soho Homes Café in Adliya on 14th August offered members the chance to showcase their ability to conduct training sessions, driven by their eagerness to promote the program.

The training was initially pioneered by Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) – Bahrain Chapter under the mentorship of Dr. Ilene Valian A. Agana, Founder and CEO of Eagle Mind Consultancies Co. W.L.L.

PICE President Engr. Ian Pilongco Erojo, 48 years old working at the General Sports Authority (GSA) shared that during the 2025 PICE Mid-Year Assembly and Technical Conference held last July, ‘’We invited Dr. Agana as the resource speaker on the topic “Reintegration Program Awareness: Towards OFW Meaningful Journey’’.

Engr. Erojo also added, “The goal of PICE members is to develop a steadfast retirement plan in terms of job reintegration back to Philippines with the support of the Reintegration Program of the government.”

The volunteer meetings were also attended by Ms. Celia Cabadonga, Supervising Administrative Officer of the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) Bahrain, and Ms. Juvilyn Anns Gumabay, Welfare Officer of OWWA.

Both officials commended the trainers for their dedication to empowering fellow Filipinos and for supporting the government’s reintegration initiatives.