How to Take PDOS Seminar Online for OFWs

This initiative aims to educate overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) about the various government services offered both within their host country and internationally. By providing this information, OFWs will be aware of the availability of these services and the specific procedures they need to follow in order to access them.

The information is delivered through seven distinct training modules, which cover the following topics:

1. Preparing for departure: This module provides guidance and support to OFWs as they prepare to leave the Philippines for their host country. It covers essential aspects such as documentation, travel arrangements, and understanding the legal requirements of their destination.
2. Entering the host country: This module focuses on the initial steps OFWs need to take upon arrival in the host country. It includes information on immigration processes, customs procedures, and other relevant aspects to ensure a smooth entry.
3. Getting settled: This module assists OFWs in the process of settling down in their new environment. It covers topics such as finding suitable accommodation, understanding local customs and practices, and accessing basic services like healthcare and education.
4. Building a support network: Recognizing the importance of social connections, this module provides guidance on how OFWs can establish a strong support network within their host country. It includes information on community organizations, support groups, and networking opportunities.
5. Finding a job: This module offers guidance on seeking employment opportunities in the host country. It covers topics such as job search strategies, resume writing, interview preparation, and understanding labor laws and regulations.
6. Managing your finances: Financial literacy is essential for OFWs, and this module focuses on providing them with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage their finances. It covers topics such as budgeting, saving, remittances, and investment options.
7. Maintaining and strengthening ties with the Philippines: OFWs often face the challenge of maintaining connections with their home country. This module provides information and resources on how to maintain ties with family and friends, stay updated with Philippine news and events, and engage with relevant Philippine government services.

By disseminating this information through the seven training modules, OFWs can better navigate their journey abroad, access necessary services when needed, and enhance their overall experience as overseas Filipino workers.

Benefits that OFWs can Get from OWWA PDOS

The Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) conducted by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is designed to provide essential information and guidance to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and potential OFWs. While attending the PDOS, individuals are not entitled to receive any monetary or cash benefits. However, they gain invaluable knowledge and support to prepare them for the various challenges they may encounter while working abroad.

The primary purpose of the PDOS is to equip OFWs and would-be OFWs with information and skills necessary for successful employment in the international arena. The seminar provides insights into the cultural and language adjustments they may face in their destination countries. It helps them understand the different customs, traditions, and norms prevalent in foreign cultures, enabling them to adapt more effectively.

Additionally, the PDOS serves as a platform for addressing the concerns and queries of the participants. They can seek guidance and clarification regarding employment contracts, rights and responsibilities, legal protections, remittances, and other related matters. This interactive session helps them gain a better understanding of their rights as migrant workers and empowers them to protect themselves from potential issues or exploitation.

Overall, while attendees of the OWWA PDOS do not receive monetary or cash benefits, they receive invaluable information and support to help them navigate the challenges of working in an international setting. The knowledge gained during the seminar equips them with the necessary tools to succeed in their overseas employment and promotes their overall well-being and welfare.

Specifically, OFWs can gain the following benefits:

To address the adjustment difficulties faced by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and provide specific and relevant answers to their concerns, it is important to consider the following information and resources:

1. Pre-departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS): The Philippine government conducts PDOS sessions for OFWs to prepare them for overseas employment. These sessions cover various aspects such as the culture and customs of the host country, labor laws, rights, and responsibilities, among others.
2. Cultural Orientation Programs: Many countries offer cultural orientation programs specifically designed for foreign workers. These programs provide valuable information about the local customs, traditions, language, and daily life in the host country. OFWs should actively participate in such programs to gain a better understanding of their new environment.
3. Online Resources and Communities: There are numerous online platforms, forums, and social media groups dedicated to supporting OFWs. These platforms often provide advice, guidance, and firsthand experiences from other OFWs who have gone through similar adjustments. Joining these communities can help OFWs connect with others, share concerns, and seek advice.
4. Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO): POLO offices operate in various host countries and serve as a support system for OFWs. They provide assistance in case of emergencies, help address work-related concerns, and offer guidance on local regulations. OFWs should familiarize themselves with the nearest POLO office and keep their contact information handy.
5. Philippine Embassy or Consulate: OFWs should know the location and contact details of the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in their host country. These diplomatic missions can provide assistance in case of emergencies, including repatriation, legal matters, and other forms of support.
6. Local Support Networks: OFWs should try to establish connections with local communities or fellow Filipinos in the host country. These networks can provide practical advice, emotional support, and a sense of familiarity. They may also organize events or gatherings that celebrate Filipino culture and help ease the feelings of homesickness.
7. Emergency Hotlines: OFWs should be aware of emergency hotlines available in the host country. These hotlines may vary depending on the nature of the emergency, such as medical, legal, or general assistance. The Philippine Embassy or Consulate can provide the relevant contact numbers.

Who is the OWWA PDOS for?

The OWWA PDOS is an orientation seminar specifically designed for:

• Emigrants
• Temporary Workers
• Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)
• Aspiring OFWs

PDOS Exemptions

PDOS Exemptions

There are certain exemptions. You are exempted from the mandatory PDOS if you satisfy either of the following criteria:

it seems to be discussing exemptions from taking a mandatory PDOS (Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar). Here is a breakdown of the mentioned exemptions:

1. Children aged 12 or younger: Children in this age group are exempt from taking the mandatory PDOS.
2. Senior citizens (over the age of 60): Senior citizens who are 60 years or older are also exempt from the mandatory PDOS.
3. Individuals suffering from mental illness or psychological challenges: Those who have mental illness or psychological challenges are exempt from taking the mandatory PDOS.
4. Individuals unable to work due to chronic or long-term illnesses: If someone is unable to work because of chronic or long-term illnesses, they are exempt from the mandatory PDOS.
5. Residents, immigrants, or emigrants who have stayed in the destination country for a total of two months: This exemption applies to individuals who have either resident status, immigrant status, or emigrant status. They need to show proof of stay (issued ID) and provide documentation such as travel abroad, obtaining a visa from the host country, etc. They are exempted from taking the mandatory PDOS but are still required to use the Reservation and Registration Online System (R&R) to submit their data online. They also need to visit the CFO (Commission on Filipinos Overseas) personally or send an authorized representative or proxy to obtain the Emigrant Registration Sticker from them.

OWWA PDOS Qualification

As far as qualifications are concerned, the OWWA Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar Program requires takers to satisfy any of the following criteria:

• Be an adult aged 20 to 59
• Be a child aged 13 to 19 years old
• For Filipinos emigrating from the Philippines: Must have been issued an immigrant visa.

No Minors under the age of 13 and adults over the age of 59 are eligible to take the PDOS.

Requirements for taking the OWWA PDOS

Here’s a list of requirements OFWs need to prepare before they can take the OWWA PDOS:

For Temporary Workers

• Original and photocopy of a valid copy of the passport
• Endorsement paper from a recruitment agency
• Original and photocopy of Employment Contract

For Emigrants

The document you provided appears to be a list of required documents for registration or travel purposes. These documents are typically requested by government agencies, immigration authorities, or other relevant organizations. The specific purpose or context for which these documents are required is not mentioned, so I’ll provide a general understanding of the documents listed.

1. Original and photocopy of a valid copy of passport: A passport is an official government-issued travel document that certifies the identity and citizenship of the holder. The original passport and a photocopy are typically required.
2. Original and photocopy of a valid copy of a Visa: A visa is an endorsement or stamp placed in a passport that allows the holder to enter, stay, or leave a specific country. The original visa attached to the passport and a photocopy are typically required.
3. One (1) 2×2 Picture: This refers to a recent passport-sized photograph, usually measuring 2 inches by 2 inches (5 cm by 5 cm). It is required for identification purposes.
4. Valid ID with photo: This is an official identification document that contains a photograph of the individual. The list you provided includes various types of IDs issued by government agencies, employers, educational institutions, and other organizations. The specific ID requirements may vary depending on the purpose or context of the document you are referring to.
5. Duly-accomplished Registration Form for Emigrants: This refers to a form that needs to be completed by individuals who are planning to emigrate from the Philippines. The form can typically be obtained from the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) website (https://cfo.gov.ph/).

Country-Specific requirements

The documents required for individuals who need to undergo Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) may vary depending on the destination country. Here are the specific documents needed for different countries:

• Canada-bound workers: Labor Marketing Impact Assessment (LMIA)
• Emigrants heading to the United States: Summary of immigrant data (should not be separated from the visa packet, except for K visa holders)
• Workers going to Italy: Nulla Osta
• Emigrants traveling to Canada: Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) (should not be torn or signed before departure)
• Workers heading to Australia: Letter of approval for a Work to Residence visa – Visa Grant Notification Letter
• Emigrants going to New Zealand: Letter of approval for a Work to Residence visa
• Japanese emigrants: Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

For Immigrant Workers

• PDOS Attendance, Guidance Counseling, or Peer Counseling Session
• Php 400.00 Registration Fee
• Photocopy of Employment Contract if you are an immigrant worker

If the registration is done by proxy: the authorized representative must also present the following documents:

• Medical certificate (except for those who are 60 years old or older)
• A letter of authorization from the emigrant (if applicable); and
• The proxy’s original, valid photo ID

If the proxies are not the children’s legal/natural/biological adoptive parents: then the children aged 12 or younger must also have the following documents:

• One (1) original valid photo ID of the proxy, and
• A notarized authorization letter signed by the parent(s) or guardian(s), issued in the Philippines or elsewhere.

For emigrants who have stayed for an aggregate of two months in the destination country: they will need to present the following documents:

• Previous visa or landing stamp
• Foreign government-issued identification card i.e. driver’s license, state identification

How to Join the CFO OWWA PDOS Seminar

• Visit the CFO website at https://cfo.gov.ph/, then click PDOS.
• Answer the following preliminary questions to check if you still need to attend the PDOS or Peer Counseling Program:
• What is the relationship of the registrant to the petitioner?
• What is your Country of Destination?
• What is your visa type/category classification?
• Provide a valid e-mail address.
• Click submit. You should receive a confirmation email from CFO Manila. If you can’t find it, check the Spam folder as well.
• Click on the “Confirm Email” link to continue.
• Fill in the required personal information:
• Last Name
• First Name
• Middle Name
• Suffix
• Birthdate
• Sex
• Civil Status
• Once completed, you will be advised if you still need to attend the PDOS/Peer Counseling Program or if exempted:
• If required to attend PDOS/Peer: you will be directed to the you will be redirected to the PDOS schedule page. Click the calendar to select the preferred date and time to attend the PDOS/PEER session based on the available country-specific PDOS schedule information:
• Country
• Day
• Hour
• Number of available slots.

There are limited slots per session, per day. If the dates are in blue, then there are no slots available for that date. You will need to choose a different date to continue.

If you are exempted from attending the PDOS/Peer session, you can proceed to the next step. Once you have completed that step, click on ‘Proceed to Registration’ to fill out the online registration form. Make sure to upload a recent 2 x 2 photo with a plain white background and provide accurate and complete information in all the required fields of the registration form. Afterward, download and print the Barcoded Confirmation Form. On the date of your appointment, bring this document along with all the other necessary requirements to the CFO. There’s no need to print your registration form. Please arrive at the CFO office/PDOS venue at least an hour before your scheduled PDOS/Peer session to allow time for the verification process.

Important Reminders

Here are some important reminders for individuals wishing to register for the PDOS program:

1. If you are registering as an individual or it’s your first time, select Individual / First-Time Registration and click Register.
2. If you are registering for a family or multiple people, choose Family Registration” and selectRegister Family Member.
3. If you have already secured an immigrant visa, choose I already have my immigrant visa.
4. If you have a “New Barcoded Confirmation Form,” click “View Registration Form Online and Print New Barcoded Confirmation Form.
5. For Family Registration or selecting a PDOS schedule, you will need an 8-digit reference number.
6. Keep in mind that the Commission on Filipino Overseas has a cut-off period for online registration. It is available only from Mondays to Thursdays, between 07:00 a.m. and 05:00 p.m.
7. After completing your PDOS or Peer Counselling Program, a CFO sticker will be placed on your Philippine passport if required.
8. Immigration officials from the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation (BID) will inspect the CFO sticker before granting authorization to leave the airport.

OWWA PDOS Registration

PDOS is all about as well as the complete registration process:

Frequently Asked Questions

The following are the common questions and answers about PDOS and its registration and processes:

1. How much do I need to pay for the PDOS registration fee?

The face-to-face PDOS  held at the OWWA costs Php 400.00. You may pay for this at Counter No. 7 to get your official receipt. The online PDOS, however, is free.

2. How long does the PDOS last?

The OWWA PDOS program is a six-hour seminar that covers seven topics.

3. Is it necessary to register at PDOS?

Yes. OWWA PDOS registration is a mandatory requirement for leaving the country.