He attended yesterday’s reintegration program advocacy seminar sponsored by the Philippine Consulate General and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office at the multi-purpose center in Susupe.
The seminar was very “timely” particularly for Filipino workers in the CNMI who are facing uncertainty in 2011, when their umbrella permits expire, Sagada said.
The seminar aimed to prepare Filipino workers for their return to their country.
Sagana is hoping that the Philippine consulate will continue conducting similar seminars.
More than 150 Filipino workers attended the seminar yesterday.
Philippine labor representative Carmelina Velasquez, one of the speakers during the event, said Filipinos working abroad would be more successful if they have clear goals.
Philippine Consul General Medardo Macaraeg said they will “seriously consider” conducting another reintegration seminar.
However, he added, this will depend on the availability of the volunteers who are involved in organizing the event.
He noted that the different Filipinos groups on island can hold similar seminars with the help of the consulate.
Macaraeg said yesterday’s seminar was their way of celebrating the 77th anniversary of the Philippine Department of Labor and Employment.
Nida Apostol, one of the participants, said the seminar helped her prepare for her future employment or business endeavor when she returns to the Philippines.
“There were many business opportunities discussed and how to acquire needed capital,” she said.
The seminar also discussed training and capability building, financial literacy, money management and entrepreneurship, obtaining business loans and other credit facilities, product development and marketing.
Jojo Berueco, another participant, said it’s not too late for Filipino workers to learn about money management, employment opportunities and livelihood projects.
These projects include backyard tilapia production, balut-making, banana chips processing, banana wine, beadwork accessories, “Botika ng Bayan” (people’s pharmacy), carrot production, fishball vending, powdered detergent, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid, hog raising and junkshop and scrap business.
