OFW OWWA Pre-Departure Education Guide

The OWWA Pre-Departure Education Program (PDEP) is a program initiated by the Philippine government to educate Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) about essential information and skills that promote their well-being and safety. As part of the PDEP, OFWs are required to participate in training programs tailored to their specific work status if they are departing as migrant workers or Household Service Workers (HSWs).

For migrant workers, the program includes the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS), which is a country-specific seminar. This seminar provides valuable information on the destination country’s culture, laws, customs, and work environment. It equips migrant workers with the necessary knowledge to adapt to their new environment and be aware of their rights and responsibilities.

On the other hand, HSWs are required to attend the Comprehensive Pre-Departure Education Program (CPDEP), which is an orientation seminar designed to help them understand the challenges and difficulties that OFWs commonly encounter. This seminar focuses on enhancing their skills in managing household duties, developing effective communication strategies, and addressing potential issues they may face while working abroad as HSWs.

Overall, the PDEP aims to equip OFWs with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful and safe overseas employment experience. It serves as a vital step in preparing OFWs for the challenges they may encounter while working abroad and ensuring their welfare and protection.

Country-Specfic OFW OWWA Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS)

The Country-Specific Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar, also known as PDOS, is a compulsory one-day orientation seminar for migrant workers who are about to depart. PDOS is designed to offer essential information tailored to the specific country and skills of the workers. The seminar, spanning six hours, covers various topics such as the employment contract for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), health and safety guidelines, travel tips, country profiles, financial literacy, and other relevant information aimed at preparing individuals for their employment abroad.

PDOS Modules

Here are the modules under PDOS:

1. Migration Realities
2. OFW Code of Discipline
3. Cultural Perspectives
4. Destination Country Profile
5. Multi-Cultural environment
6. Working hours
7. Employment Contract
8. Contract obligations and rights of OFWs
9. How to deal with a broken contract
10. Health and Safety
11. Financial Literacy
12. Financial planning importance
13. Saving and investing
14. Available Government Programs and Services for OFWs
15. Services and Programs of OWWA
16. Other services and programs from government migration agencies
17. Travel Procedures and Tips

Comprehensive Pre-Departure Education Program (CPDEP)

The Comprehensive Pre-Departure Education Program (CPDEP) is a modified version of the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) designed specifically for Household Service Workers (HSWs). CPDEP serves as an orientation seminar that departing HSWs attend to address the challenges faced by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), including language barriers and cultural differences in their destination countries. Typically, this seminar spans from 2 to 6 days and is compulsory for HSWs. The primary objective of CPDEP is to equip and educate HSWs about the working conditions they will encounter abroad, aiding them in adjusting and adapting to their new environments.

CPDEP Modules

Under CPDEP, HSWs will learn the following:

Language Training

To help with the language barrier, OWWA offers basic language classes to help HSWs, including:

• Arabic (3-day training)
• Cantonese (3-day training)
• Hebrew  (3-day training)
• Italian  (3-day training)
• Mandarin (6-day training)

The language courses offered by OWWA involve household vocabulary, proper pronunciation, alphabet, numerals, currency, time, calendar, values, and customs.

Cultural Familiarization

CPDEP also provides reading materials and helps workers face cultural barriers in their destination country.

Stress Management

Stress Management is a half-day seminar that aims to raise awareness of the causes and effects of stress and prepare workers mentally and physically for the difficulties of working overseas.

Benefits

By means of the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) and Comprehensive Pre-Departure Education Program (CPDEP), overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) will acquire valuable knowledge and skills to successfully adjust to a new work environment and lifestyle. These seminars are designed to provide initial support and ensure job stability for at least six (6) months while working abroad. Additionally, the seminars can be tailored to focus on specific skills or countries, enhancing the capabilities of OFWs and maximizing their employment prospects overseas. Although the seminars may be tiring, they will undeniably bring significant advantages to departing migrant workers and household service workers (HSWs)

Qualifications

To qualify for PDOS or CPDEP, the registrant should meet the following qualifications:

• Has an issued immigrant visa
• Adults ages 20 to 59 years old
• Children ages 13 to 19 years old

Do note that PDOS and CPDEP are not for minors below 13 years old and adults over 59 years old.

Requirements

Before registering for PDOS or CPDEP, qualified registrants should secure the following documentary requirements:

• Valid original passport
• Valid original visa
• One (1) valid ID with a picture
• Original copy of the following documents based on your destination country:
• For US-bound emigrants- Immigrant Data Summary (IDS), excluding K-visa holders
• For Canada-bound emigrants- Permanent Residence Confirmation
• For Italy-bound emigrants-Nulla Osta (Clearance)
• For Japan-bound emigrants- Certificate of Eligibility
• For Australia and New Zealand-bound emigrants- Letter of approval for Work to Residence
• Payment fees:
• For PDOS- P400 registration fee
• For CPDEP- it’s free of charge, but you should pay the OWWA membership fee of US$25

For more details on the requirements, visit the official website of OWWA if the emigrant is bound to other countries.

Procedure

To apply for OWWA PDOS or CPDEP, please follow the steps below:

To complete the process of attending the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) or the CFO Peer Counseling and Guidance (CPDEP) online through the CFO Online Registration System (OF-CORS), follow the steps below:

1. Visit the official website of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) by clicking on this link: http://owwa.gov.ph/.
2. Once on the main page, look for the CFO Online Registration System (OF-CORS). It should be easily visible.
3. On the main page, click on the “Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS)” tab. Then, click on the “Register Here” button.
4. If you wish to attend the seminar on-site in either Manila or Cebu City, book an appointment with the respective Satellite Office. However, if you prefer to attend the seminar online, you should register through the CFO Online Registration System (OF-CORS).
5. Fill out the online registration form to verify whether you should take PDOS or CPDEP. Provide the required information and click the “Submit” button.
6. Check your email for a confirmation from the CFO. Click on the “Confirm email” button provided, which will redirect you to your CFO profile page.
7. Complete the personal information page on your CFO profile page and click the “Verify” button.
8. After verifying your account, you will see the list of requirements on the CFO page. Review these requirements thoroughly.
9. Once you have reviewed the requirements, click the “Submit” button.
10. Check your email for instructions on where to submit your documentary requirements for validation. Please note that the validation process may take several days.
11. Once your documents are validated, the CFO will notify you via email whether you are required to take PDOS or CPDEP.
12. If you are required to attend the seminar, click on the registration link provided in the email and choose your preferred schedule. However, if you are exempted from the seminar, fill out the registration page accordingly.
13. Next, click the “Continue for Payment” button.
14. Choose your preferred payment mode and provide your delivery details.
15. Double-check your payment and delivery details, and then click the “Proceed” button. It is recommended to save a copy of your proof of payment for reference.
16. Finally, check your email for the OF-CORS digital certificate and the confirmed schedule for PDOS or CPDEP, if required.

Please note that the steps provided are based on the information available up until September 2021, and it is advisable to visit the official CFO website for the most up-to-date instructions and procedures.

Important Information for OWWA PDEP Reminders If you are obliged to participate in the seminars as part of the OWWA Pre-Departure Education Program (PDEP), please take note of the following reminders regarding PDOS and CPDEP:

1. The Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) is specifically for migrant workers who are departing to a particular country, whereas the Comprehensive Pre-Departure Education Program (CPDEP) is designed for Household Services Workers (HSWs).
2. These orientation seminars are only mandatory for individuals holding immigrant visas. Additionally, attendees must be adults between the ages of 20 and 59 or children aged 13 to 19.
3. Adults above 59 years old and minors below 13 years old are exempted from attending these seminars.
4. PDOS requires a registration fee of P400.
5. CPDEP is free of charge, but the worker should cover the OWWA membership fee of US$25.
6. PDOS and CPDEP are compulsory seminars that aim to assist departing migrant workers and HSWs in overcoming language and cultural barriers and preparing them for overseas employment.
7. Qualified registrants of PDOS and CPDEP have the option to attend the seminar either on-site or online through webinars.
8. For further information regarding country-specific requirements, departing migrant workers and HSWs should get in touch with OWWA.

PDOS PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION SEMINAR II TIPS TO MAKE YOU PREPARED FOR YOUR PDOS

PDOS is a mandatory seminar for OFWs to prepare and educate them on working abroad. The PDOS is now an online program via Zoom meeting and lasts around 4 to 6 hours. During the online seminar, attendees should wear appropriate attire and ensure their devices are fully charged if using a mobile phone or laptop. A good internet connection is also ideal for following instructions during the seminar and avoiding problems or delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the OWWA Pre-Departure Education Program?

The OWWA Pre-Departure Education Program (PDEP) is a series of compulsory orientation seminars designed to assist Filipino workers in adjusting to their new life abroad and to prepare them for potential language and cultural challenges. The OWWA PDEP comprises two main components: the Country-Specific Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS), which is aimed at migrant workers departing for specific countries, and the Comprehensive Pre-Departure Education Program for Household Services Workers (HSWs), which focuses on ensuring their safety and enhancing their employment prospects in foreign countries.

How to book for OWWA PDOS/CPDEP online?

To book for OWWA PDOS or CPDEP online seminar, visit the website of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) at http://owwa.gov.ph/.

How long is OWWA PDOS/CPDEP seminar?

The OWWA PDOS online seminar will take 4 to 6 hours, while CPDEP takes 2 to 6 days to complete.

How much are the fees for PDEP seminars?

The PDOS online seminar charges P400 for registration. On the other hand, CPDEP is free of charge. However the attendees should pay their OWWA membership fee of US$25.

Summary

The government is providing extended assistance to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) around the world through the help of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), particularly for those who are beginning their search for opportunities abroad.OFW OWWA Pre-Departure Education Guide ensures the safety and welfare of OFWs before they are deployed overseas, enabling them to have a promising start in their work abroad and secure a better future for their families.

If you require additional information regarding OWWA’s Pre-Departure Education Program (PDEP) programs, please get in touch with OWWA through their hotline, website, or Facebook page.