PDOS Seminar Accreditation Process for Job Agencies
To become accredited by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to conduct Pre-Departure Orientation Seminars (PDOS) in the Philippines, recruitment agencies need to follow the process outlined below:
- Application: The recruitment agency must submit an application for accreditation as a PDOS provider to the OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) with jurisdiction over their area.
- Documentary Requirements: The agency needs to prepare the following documents for submission along with the application:
- Accomplished PDOS Application Form
- Copy of the agency’s valid license issued by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)
- Certificate of Compliance with General Labor Standards issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
- Proof of financial capability, such as audited financial statements for the past two years
- Organizational structure of the agency, including the names and positions of key officers
- List of proposed PDOS facilitators with their respective qualifications, including their training and experience in migration issues
- Inspection: Once the application and documents are submitted, the OWWA RWO will conduct an inspection of the agency’s office premises and facilities. This inspection aims to ensure that the agency has adequate facilities to conduct PDOS sessions effectively.
- Assessment: The OWWA RWO will evaluate the application, documentary requirements, and inspection report to determine the agency’s eligibility for accreditation.
- Orientation Seminar for Facilitators: If the agency passes the assessment, the OWWA RWO will require the agency’s proposed PDOS facilitators to attend an orientation seminar conducted by the OWWA. This seminar will equip the facilitators with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively deliver the PDOS sessions.
- Accreditation: PDOS Seminar Accreditation Process for Job Agencies After the orientation seminar, the OWWA RWO will issue an accreditation certificate to the agency, indicating that they are authorized to conduct PDOS. The accreditation is valid for a specific period, usually three years.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Accredited agencies are subject to monitoring and evaluation by the OWWA to ensure compliance with the prescribed standards and guidelines for PDOS. The OWWA may conduct periodic inspections and assessments during the accreditation period.
It is important for recruitment agencies in the Philippines to undergo this accreditation process to ensure that PDOS participants receive accurate and relevant information before working abroad. The accreditation helps maintain the quality and integrity of the PDOS program, providing participants with essential knowledge and guidance for a successful overseas employment experience.
Overview
“The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has the responsibility of safeguarding the rights and welfare of Filipino migrant workers, also known as OFWs, through a range of programs and services. Apart from this, the agency also grants accreditation to recruitment and labor agencies, non-government organizations, and manning agencies that wish to provide training and assistance to departing overseas Filipino workers.
Specifically, labor agencies and employment groups seeking to offer Pre-Departure Orientation Seminars (PDOS) must obtain accreditation from OWWA. This accreditation allows their OFW clients to be considered for overseas employment upon application and departure. By providing multiple options for completing training requirements before employment, OWWA aims to enhance its service provision for overseas employment and assistance.
If you intend to assist aspiring OFWs in fulfilling their training needs, this article will provide a brief explanation of the requirements for obtaining OWWA accreditation for PDOS facilitation and management.”
Qualifications
“Trainers responsible for facilitating and managing Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) must meet the following qualifications:
- Hold a college degree or possess an equivalent educational qualification. In cases where the educational requirement is not met, individuals must have completed 36 hours of relevant training for each year of deficiency, or have accumulated 2 years of relevant work experience.
- For applicants seeking sea-based positions, they should have prior shipboard experience. For land-based applicants, on-site experience is required.
- Have a minimum of three (3) years of experience as an instructor or trainer in any training, research, administration, or similar project related to overseas training and employment.
- Demonstrate proficiency and effective communication skills in both English and Filipino languages.”
Requirements
The following documents are required for trainer accreditation:
- Duly accomplished PDOS Trainer Application Form: This form can be obtained from the designated personnel of the Project Development Monitoring Unit (PDMU) at the OWWA Regional Office or the POLO (Philippine Overseas Labor Office) office. You need to fill out this form completely and accurately.
- Trainer’s Bio-data: This document should contain your personal information, educational background, work experience, and any other relevant information that showcases your qualifications as a trainer.
- Copy of Certificate of Completion/Participation for PDOS Trainer’s Training: You need to provide a copy of the certificate that proves your successful completion or participation in the PDOS (Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar) Trainer’s Training. This training equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct PDOS sessions.
- Copy of License to Operate from POEA (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration): If you represent a manning/recruitment agency, you must include a copy of the License to Operate issued by the POEA. This license indicates that your agency is authorized to engage in the recruitment and deployment of overseas Filipino workers.
- Copy of incorporation or registration documents and literature on institutional mission and operations, issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), for NGOs: If you are representing a non-governmental organization (NGO), you need to provide copies of your organization’s incorporation or registration documents. Additionally, you should include literature that outlines your institutional mission and operations. These documents demonstrate the legitimacy and purpose of your NGO.
How to Process PDOS Seminar Accreditation for Recruitment Agencies
After the recommendation for accreditation has been filed by the PDMU (Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar Designated Monitoring Unit), the application process continues with the following steps:
- The recommendation for accreditation will be evaluated by the OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) Regional Office or POLO (Philippine Overseas Labor Office) to assess compliance with the requirements.
- If the evaluation is successful, you will be notified of the approval of your accreditation.
- Pay the required accreditation fee at the OWWA Regional Office or POLO.
- Attend the PDOS Trainer’s Training Program conducted by the OWWA Regional Office or POLO. This training program typically lasts for two days, with each day consisting of a maximum of 8 hours. Upon completion of the training, you will receive a Certificate of Participation/Completion.
- Once you have received the Certificate of Participation/Completion, submit it along with the necessary documents to the OWWA Regional Office or POLO.
- The OWWA Regional Office or POLO will then issue your PDOS Trainer’s Accreditation Card.
- As a PDOS trainer, you will be required to conduct Pre-Departure Orientation Seminars for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in accordance with the guidelines set by the OWWA.
Please note that the specific procedures and requirements may vary, so it’s advisable to consult the OWWA or POLO office in your area for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the accreditation process for PDOS trainers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Please be guided on the following questions and answers about the accreditation process for agencies to conduct PDOS seminars for Filipinos working abroad:
1. What is PDOS?
The Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) is a one-day comprehensive orientation program for OFWs aimed at preparing them for overseas employment. Among the topics covered by the program include the country’s profile and general policies, financial literacy, health and safety, and other imminent employment concerns. It is a program required for first-time and returning OFWs.
2. Why do we need to be accredited to hold the PDOS?
OWWA accreditation is required for private and non-government individuals or groups who wish to hold their own PDOS as the said program is a government requirement for OFWs. Meaning, the government is liable for the safety and performance of migrant workers, so they must ensure that trainers and instructors for the program are well-equipped with relevant and necessary skills and knowledge to inform and educate OFWs on what they need to know about their employment abroad.
3. Is the accreditation process free?
Yes, the PDOS trainer accreditation application is free of charge.
4. How long is the process?
The application progress may take up to a week, at most, depending on the schedule of trainers’ training program and ocular inspection by the PDMU. For one, the trainers’ training, which is a crucial part of the application process, takes 2 days, while the ocular inspection takes up to 4 hours. Both depend on the availability of the PDMU personnel and other concerned agencies.
5. Am I guaranteed accreditation upon application?
No, applying for trainer accreditation does not guarantee your accreditation. You must first attend the trainers’ training and pass the ocular inspection for your proposed PDOS venue. On top of that, documents that will certify the legitimacy of your recruitment, or manning agency, as issued by POEA and SEC, are required.
Summary
In summary, OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) plays a vital role in assisting Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in fulfilling their missions abroad. They provide accreditation to human resource and labor agencies, which allows them to extend their services and support to OFWs. PDOS Seminar Accreditation Process for Job AgenciesThis accreditation is made possible by the collective efforts of fellow Filipinos, enabling OWWA to reach a wider audience and provide genuine and reliable assistance to OFWs around the world.
If you want to learn more about PDOS (Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar) trainer accreditation or explore other programs and services offered by OWWA, you can visit their official website at www.owwa.gov.ph. Additionally, you can also check out their official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/OWWAofficial for the latest updates and information.
