DOST offers assistance to OFWs in Capiz

The Department of Science and Technology Region VI (DOST VI) now offers assistance for the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Western Visayas through the iFWD PH: Innovations for Filipinos Working Distantly from the Philippines.

An online interview was facilitated by DOST Capiz with five qualified OFW applicants via Zoom from the province.

The iFWD PH program aims to provide opportunities to OFWs and their families to establish technology-based enterprises and encourage them to settle in the country for good.  Moreover, the program will capacitate the qualified applicants to manage his/her business anchored in science, technology, and innovation.

Qualified applicants will undergo two (2) phases of the program, Phase I: Capacity Building for the Development and Management of Technology-Based Enterprise; and, Phase II: Innovation Funding Support for the Establishment of Technology-based Enterprises.

In Phase I, the program will train the OFWs and/or a family representative in developing a feasible business plan and management of a business during the thirteen (13) sessions. The OFWs who have completed Phase I will qualify for funding support or Phase II of the program.

The iFWD PH Program was administered by DOST together with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Overseas Filipino Workers and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). (SSalazar, DOST VI-KMU with reports from MCPielago)