๐๐จ๐ฅ๐๐๐จ ๐๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ, ๐๐ก๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ข๐ง๐๐ฌ โ ๐๐ฉ๐ซ๐ข๐ฅ ๐๐, ๐๐๐๐. The Department of Education (DepEd) Division of Toledo City has officially launched Bayanihan para sa Balikbayang Manggagawa, a reintegration initiative designed to empower repatriated Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) through accessible education and livelihood pathways.
This program marks a significant step in strengthening inclusive education by ensuring that returning Filipinos are given renewed opportunities to rebuild their futures. The launch was highlighted by a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Joseph Irwin Lagura and OICโAssistant Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Faustino N. Toradio, together with key division personnel. Their presence underscored DepEd Toledoโs strong commitment to delivering responsive and inclusive programs for OFWs and their families.
Adding inspiration to the event were heartfelt testimonies from Mr. Jasper Johan Villarta of Luas Elementary School and Ms. Princess Darlene D. Cabredo of Talavera Elementary School, both beneficiaries of the SPIMS program. They shared how the initiative helped them regain confidence, rediscover purpose, and pursue meaningful careers in educationโpowerful stories that reflect the life-changing impact of the program.
A key highlight of the launch was the establishment of dedicated service booths aimed at addressing the diverse needs of beneficiaries: a. Sa Pinas, Ikaw ang Maโam at Sir (SPIMS) Booth โ offers opportunities for returning OFWs who are licensed teachers to join the public school system. b. Alternative Learning System (ALS) Booth โ provides flexible education options for out-of-school youth and adults. c. Assessment Booth โ facilitates services for the Philippine Educational Placement Test (PEPT) and the ALS Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Assessment, enabling learners to gain certification and reenter formal education. d. Subsidies and Scholarships Booth โ assists students in accessing private school grants and international scholarship opportunities, including programs in Taiwan.
The service booths will be open to the public from April 13โ16, 2026, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, at the DepEd Toledo Multipurpose Hall, ensuring ample access for OFWs, their families, and other interested individuals.
Through this initiative, DepEd provides assistance and accommodation to repatriated OFWs and their families by offering accessible information, guidance, and enrollment support for various programsโensuring that every individual is empowered in their pursuit of education and opportunity.
๐๐ฐ๐ท๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ช๐ฆ๐ณ ๐. ๐๐ข๐ด๐ช๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ฏ๐จ, ๐๐ ๐๐
๐๐ฆ๐ด๐ด๐ฆ๐ญ๐ญ ๐. ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ถ๐จ๐ฐ๐ฏ, ๐๐๐ ๐
#BalikbayangManggagawa #SPIMS #DepedPhilippines #DepEdRegion7 #DepEdToledo
