DOST-NCR Fulfills an OFW’s Lifelong Dream through DOST’s iFWD PH Program

 


Manila, Philippines: Amid the pandemic, through the Department of Science and  Technology’s (DOST’s) iFWD PH: Innovations for Filipinos Working Distantly from the  Philippines program, DOST-NCR under the leadership of DOST-NCR Jose B. Patalinjug III,  provides innovation funding support to Bermudez Software Development Services, managed by  former OFW, Mr. Ruel Bermudez, to enhance and market the eBarangayPH. The project aims to  upgrade cloud infrastructure, ensure data privacy, guarantee access reliability, and develop an  accompanying mobile application.



It can be remembered that on 29 May 2020, Science Department launched the said project on a  live virtual presser through the DOST-Philippines Facebook page. iFWD PH was conceptualized  and implemented by the DOST-NCR and supported by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Overseas Filipino Workers (OPA-OFW). 


According to the Undersecretary for Regional Operations of the DOST, Brenda L. Nazareth Manzano, this project “will provide them with opportunities to continue what they have started  in their journey to building a good and progressive future for themselves and their families.” This  initiative was also coined in anticipation of the number of returning Overseas Filipino Workers  (OFWs) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The undersecretary also referred to the OFWs as the  “modern-day heroes” or “MAKABAGONG BAYANI” because of their contribution to the  Philippine economy. She also stated that “we at the DOST will be our OFWs’ big sisters and  brothers, ready to lend helping hands so that they will be able to realize their dreams here in our  country.” 

iFWD PH aims to provide support opportunities for OFWs and their immediate families to  establish technology-based enterprises in the country

What: DOST-NCR provides innovation funding support to Bermudez Software  Development Services, managed by former OFW, Mr. Ruel Bermudez 

When: 19 March 2021 

Where: DOST-Philippines Facebook Page 

Who: Former OFW Ruel Bermudez, DOST Philippines, DOST-NCR Regional Director  Jose B. Patalinjug III, DOST-NCR iFWD PH Team 

Why: To help the returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OWFs) to establish a tech based enterprises in order for them to earn a living without having to be away  from their families and loved ones. 

What iFWD PH is All About 

DOST-NCR Regional Director Jose B. Patalinjug III explains that the general objective of the  DOST’s iFWD PH project is to provide support and opportunities for OFWs and their families to  establish technology-based enterprises in the country. 

On a virtual presser conducted last year, the Regional Director also laid the program framework  such that phase 1 will be comprised of capability building and phase 2 will consist of funding  support for the establishment of technology-based enterprises. 

He also emphasized that part of the program is the provision of technology-based  entrepreneurship advisors, technical assistance, use of DOST facilities, and network and linkages with established SETUP beneficiaries. 

According to Dir. Patalinjug, OFWs may also form groups of 5 members to form a partnership or  corporation, or 15 members to form a cooperative. He also pointed out that the DOST’s goal is to  provide opportunities for OFWs to establish technology-based enterprises so they can literally  move forward from being quarantined to returning home and building their own livelihood. 

Holistic Support for the Filipino Family 

iFWD started within NCR on 2020 and was eventually rolled out nationwide. “Considering that  the Filipino ‘family’ is part of the iFWD PH program, the OFWs’ family members can be vital in  putting up a technology-based enterprises for them. Subsequently, entrepreneurial activities will 

DOST-NCR Fulfills an OFW’s Lifelong Dream through DOST’s iFWD PH Program 

materialize for the OFWs and their families,” DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” Dela Peña said  on his remark. 

The Science Secretary, on the same virtual presser, also enumerated some important components  of the said project such as the provision of technology training, technology assistance and the  likes. In addition, he emphasized that it can help the OFWs understand how the program works,  when to use it and what benefits they can actually get from it by saying, “Other OFWs kailangan  lang ng briefing. ‘Yong iba may naipon ‘di na kailangan ng financial but technical. ‘Di sapat  ang financial. Walang ipon,” setting a mark to those who do not have enough savings yet. 

Secretary Boy also highlighted other initiatives of the DOST during the ongoing health crisis  which includes developmental kits, natural products, participation of DOST, DOH and UP-NIH  together with NUHRA with the WHO’s SOLIDARITY TRIAL: therapeutic regimen to beat  COVID-19, and preventive equipment for healthcare workers such as the SBCs and personal  protective equipment (PPE); Order including RapidPass.PH and Check Pass; Livelihood such as  the iFWD PH program; Posterity that involves new institutes and centers like pharmaceutical  development centers as well as the education for the youth. 

Usec. Edwin Bael of the OPA-OFW who was also present during the online presser said “Kapag  sinabi mong ikaw ay matatag at matapat, ikaw ay susulong at uunlad,” just like how our  kababayans were described by their employers and co-workmates abroad - determined and  dedicated - they will do anything with all might to live their dreams.  

Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding 

During the live virtual presser, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between  DOST and the OPA-OFW, in agreement to provide support and opportunities to OFWs and their  family to own or manage technology-based enterprises as well as assist and protect their interest  and welfare. 

Meanwhile, during the question and answer portion, when asked about the difference of this  program from other livelihood programs being offered by the other agencies and private  companies, Sec. Dela Peña answered, “Ang pwede lang dito ay technology-based na negosyo, – technology ng DOST or other government-funded research output.” 

Moreover, another question was raised about the role and contribution of the OPA-OFW, and if  there is any counterpart funding. With this, Usec. Bael said, “Our role is to help DOST network  with other agencies and with OFW groups all over the Philippines and even abroad. As to the  counterpart funds, pu-pwede naming umpisahan na makipag-negotiate sa ibang mga bansa,  especially sa Middle East na bigyan nila ng parang development assistance to provide for the  counterparty sa ating mga approved programs, approved projects dun sa iFWD para matulungan  ang mga returned OFWs.” 

On the query about the network linkages being offered by the DOST, Dir. Patalinjug disclosed,  “Isa sa mga ipapakita natin sa programang ito, ipapakilala natin at magse-setup tayo ng mga  advisor, mga technology-based entrepreneurship advisors and entrepreneurial advisors kung saan

ito’y kinabibilangan ng mga (Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program) SETUP Clients  natin. Kukuha tayo sa kanila na tututok, tutulong, maga-advise sa mga newbee OFW  entrepreneurs.” He also added that the Entrepinoy Volunteers Foundation, Inc. (EVFI) will also  help the OFWs by conducting seminars and trainings and that through the latest products and  technologies that will be produced, “pwede silang i-pasok sa supply chain ng SETUP projects  (natin),” Dir. Patalinjug said. 

On the query about the network linkages being offered by the DOST, Dir. Patalinjug disclosed,  “Isa sa ipapakita sa programa na ito ay ang pagpapakilala natin at pag-setup ng advisors and  entrepreneurial advisors kung saan nakabibilangan ng (Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading  Program) SETUP clients natin. Kukuha tayo sa kanila ng tutulong at mag a-advise sa mga OFWs.” He also added that the Entrepinoy Volunteers Foundation, Inc. (EVFI) will also help the OFWs by conducting seminars and trainings and that through the latest products and  technologies that will be produced, “pwede silang i-pasok sa supply chain ng SETUP projects  (natin),” Dir. Patalinjug said. 

Help On the Way 

On a final note, RD Patalinjug excitedly exclaimed, “Parating na ang iFWD para sa ating mga OFW... Abangan!” which Usec. Nazareth seconded by saying, “We’re ready to FORWARD our  assistance.” 

iFWD will start in the National Capital Region for the meantime but this will eventually be  rolled out to the other regions in the country. Those who are in the provinces can still be able to  avail of iFWD PH. 

Usec. Bael also that the DOST and the OPA-OFW look forward to the participation of the  returning and even the retired OFWs because this technology-based projects are going to be  multipliers. He said, “Para ito sa ating pagsulong at pag-unlad, upang makatulong nang husto  ang ating bumabalik na manggagawa ay maka-reintegrate sa ating bayan.” 

Sec. Dela Peña also echoed, “Ang umunlad ang lahat ng ating rehiyon ang susi sa pagunlad ng  ating bayan.” 

For more information, you may send your inquiries via e-mail addressed to DOST-NCR  Regional Director Jose B. Patalinjug III through ncr@dost.gov.ph, and copy furnish  ifwdph@ncr.dost.gov.ph and promotions@ncr.dost.gov.ph or call 09666344790




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