By Jonnie H. Buenaventura

Tacloban City (15 October) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) launched today the Microsoft Tulay at DOLE training center as a way of helping the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their immediate family access the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as a way of communicating each other.

According to Ms. Vangie Filamor, Regional Director Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) that the Microsoft Tulay which means bridge is one of a kind project of OWWA which supports and give free computer tutorial to OFWs and their immediate family learn the basics of computer concepts like Word, Excel, Powerpoint, MSN Messenger and the use of Internet and its applications.

Once the beneficiaries of this program know already how to use the computer its concepts and applications they will now use their skills in communicating their love ones who are working abroad to communicate via webcam, email and other modes or alternatives used in information and communication technology, the OFWs and their immediate family can avail the services offered by OWWA what they should do is to register their names before their office in order to include in the list of beneficiaries who will undergo the tutorial on the basics and concepts of computer applications, she said.

Ms. Filamor added that the Microsoft tulay is a community technology skills learning center under the Blas F. Ople Foundation a non-government organization whose foundation was named after former Senator Blas F. Ople and became Secretary of Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) who is popularly known as the architect of Global Filipino Workers.

Ms. Susan "Tots" Ople, President Blas F. Ople Foundation said that her father as a former secretary of DOLE take steps and initiative in harnessing the skills and capability of Filipino workers to be competitive both local and abroad. We created the foundation in order to continue the legacy of my father's dream in giving aid and support to the OFW and their immediate family.

"We should give prime importance to the OFW because they are the ones helping boost the economy of the Philippines by remitting dollars to our country," said Ms. Filamor.

To be separated from love ones is not easy specially if it entails the security and stable income, risk is always part of our daily lives we should face the challenges if we want to be successful in our endeavor, those who are left feel lonesome, psychological and physical emotions is affected that is why the DOLE is here to help and protect the welfare and security of OFW from the time they are looking for jobs, DOLE also provide support services to employment problems and upon retirement give aid or assistance in a form of livelihood, said Atty. Forter Puguon, Regional Director Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Director Puguon emphasized that the financial difficulties which the U.S is facing affect generally to the entire country across the globe but of course some lose others benefitted. This condition is balanced between jobs and opportunities available both in local and foreign based establishment.