The Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) is a mandatory program for departing Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to prepare them for life and work abroad. Organized by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), this seminar equips OFWs with knowledge about work standards, health and safety, travel tips, government services, and the general profile of their destination countries. Understanding how to enroll in the PDOS is critical for all OFWs, ensuring they comply with requirements and make the most of their overseas journey.
This guide provides a step-by-step process for enrolling in the PDOS, details the necessary requirements, and outlines how OWWA members can benefit from this program. By following this, OFWs can complete their seminar with ease and confidence.
Program Overview
The PDOS is a government-mandated seminar designed for departing OFWs, particularly those headed to countries like Japan, Canada, and Germany. It is managed by the PDOS Development and Monitoring Unit of OWWA and other Regional Welfare Offices (RWOs) and is designed to give departing OFWs critical information on work standards, cultural expectations, health and safety guidelines, and government services. It also includes travel tips, airport procedures, and country-specific or skill-specific guidance to ensure workers adapt effectively to their destination.
For OFWs, especially first-time workers, this seminar is a significant part of their preparation. It runs from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, providing a comprehensive overview of OWWA benefits, employment rights, and safety protocols. By attending, OWWA members can better understand the programs and services available to them, making their overseas journey smoother and more secure.
Benefits
The PDOS offers not only practical knowledge, access to government support, and valuable insights for a successful overseas experience, but also the following benefits:
- Comprehensive Knowledge About Destination Countries: The seminar provides country-specific information, including cultural practices, work standards, and general profiles of the destination countries such as Japan, Canada, or Germany.
- Understanding Work Standards and Expectations: OFWs learn about employment guidelines, workplace protocols, and their rights as migrant workers, ensuring they are well-informed before starting their jobs abroad.
- Awareness of OWWA Program Benefits: Attendees are introduced to OWWA programs such as livelihood assistance, social benefits, and reintegration services that can support them during and after their overseas employment.
- Health and Safety Education: PDOS emphasizes personal safety, workplace health standards, and emergency preparedness, equipping OFWs to handle challenges they may face while working.
- Guidance on Travel and Immigration Processes: The seminar covers airport procedures, travel tips, and immigration requirements to ensure OFWs experience smoother transitions from the Philippines to their destination countries.
- Certificate of Attendance as Proof of Preparedness: After completing the PDOS, OFWs receive a Certificate of Attendance, a necessary document for deployment and an acknowledgment of their readiness for overseas work.
- Skill-Specific Training for Certain Workers: For roles like professional housekeepers, the PDOS offers additional skill-specific training under the Comprehensive Pre-Departure Education Program (CPDEP), tailored to their job requirements.
- Support Network Building: Attending the PDOS allows OFWs to connect with fellow workers, share insights, and build a network that can provide emotional and practical support while abroad.
- Improved Adaptability to Life Abroad: By understanding the stages of the OFW journey, participants are better prepared for cultural adjustments, reducing the stress of living and working in a new environment.
- Free Access to a Government-Provided Service: The PDOS is free of charge, making it an accessible resource for all departing OFWs to prepare for their overseas careers without additional financial burden.
- Smooth Travel and Immigration Process: Through discussions on airport procedures and travel tips, OFWs gain confidence in navigating immigration requirements and other formalities.
Target Beneficiaries
The PDOS offered by OWWA is mandatory for departing workers as it equips OFWs with practical knowledge about work standards, health and safety, and travel tips, as well as OWWA program benefits. These groups include:
- Skilled Workers Bound for Japan: Workers with verified employment contracts and Certificates of Eligibility (COE) heading to Japan are required to attend the PDOS.
- OFWs Bound for Canada: Those with Labor Market Impact Assessments (LMIA) and verified contracts under Philippine recruitment agencies must attend this seminar.
- OFWs Heading to Germany: Migrant workers bound for Germany, particularly under government-approved programs, are included in the PDOS requirements.
- Professional Housekeepers: Participants of the Comprehensive Pre-Departure Education Program (CPDEP) for household service workers also attend PDOS.
- Newly Hired OFWs Under Philippine Recruitment Agencies: First-time OFWs with verified contracts endorsed by their recruitment agencies benefit from this orientation.
- OWWA Members: Registered OWWA members departing for work abroad are eligible for the PDOS, where they also learn about OWWA benefits and support programs.
- OFWs Seeking Country-Specific Guidance: Migrant workers needing detailed information about cultural norms, work standards, and safety protocols in their destination country are targeted participants.
Eligibility
To ensure a smooth enrollment process, the OFWs interested in attending the OWWA PDOS must meet specific qualifications including the following:
- Must Be a Departing OFW: Only OFWs leaving for work in specific countries, such as Japan, Canada, and Germany, are eligible to attend.
- Must Have a Valid Passport and Working Visa: Present both the original and photocopy of your passport and working visa. These can be secured from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the relevant embassy.
- Must Be Available During Seminar Hours: PDOS is conducted Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You must commit to the full schedule.
Documentary Requirements for PDOS Enrollment
To enroll in the PDOS, you must prepare the following documents:
- Original and Photocopy of Passport and Working Visa: Secure these from the DFA and the concerned embassy.
- Endorsement Letter: Obtain this from your Philippine Recruitment Agency.
- Employment Contract: This must be verified by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) or the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), formerly Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).
- Additional Documents (based on destination):
- Japan: Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and Addendum to the Master Employment Contract.
- Canada: Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Step-by-Step Process for Enrolling in the PDOS
To help you with he enrollment procedures for the OWWA PDOS, here are the steps you can follow:
Step 1: Registration
Go to the OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) and get an enrollment form from the registration desk. The PDOS staff will release the enrollment form to you.
Step 2: Submission of Enrollment Form
Fill out the form and submit it at the registration desk. The PDOS staff will review your form and issue the Enrollment Card indicating your training schedule.
Step 3: Attend the PDOS Training
Participate in the seminar conducted by resource speakers to provide essential information for your overseas employment on the scheduled date.
- PDOS for Skilled Workers: One full day (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM).
- Comprehensive Pre-Departure Education Program (CPDEP) for Professional Housekeepers: Two full days (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM each day).
Step 4: Receive Certificate of Attendance
After completing the seminar, claim your Certificate of Attendance from the PDOS staff.
How to Maximize the PDOS Experience
Enrolling in and attending the PDOS may be mandatory for departing OFWs, but the truth is, there are more important benefits for the OFWs who enroll and complete the program. Having said that, it is imperative for applicants to know how to make the enrollment experience easier and maximize the benefits of the said seminar:
- Be Punctual: Arrive early on your training day to avoid delays.
- Prepare Questions: If you have concerns about your work or destination country, ask the resource speakers during the seminar.
- Take Notes: Important details about OWWA benefits, work standards, and cultural tips are discussed during the PDOS. Keep these notes for reference.
- Engage in Discussions: Sharing experiences with fellow participants can provide additional insights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For your reference, here are some common questions and answers about the OWWA PDOS that you might be interested in:
1. What happens if you miss the PDOS?
Missing the seminar may delay your deployment, as it is a required step for OFWs. Contact your recruitment agency or the OWWA office immediately if you cannot attend your scheduled session.
2. Can you reschedule the PDOS?
Yes, rescheduling is possible. However, it is recommended to inform OWWA as early as possible to secure a new slot.
3. Are there fees for the PDOS?
The PDOS is free of charge. You only need to present the required documents to enroll.
Video: A Quick Overview of OWWA PDOS
The OWWA PDOS is a seminar designed to prepare aspiring and returning OFWs for the challenges and opportunities abroad. In this video from Aleah Gen, she explained how to enroll, the documents needed, and the benefits of attending the seminar. Watch til the end to learn how OWWA programs can support your journey as an OFW.
Summary
The OWWA Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) is a program for departing OFWs, ensuring they are well-prepared for life and work overseas. By following the enrollment process, submitting the required documents, and attending the seminar, workers can gain valuable insights into work standards, health and safety, and OWWA programs. This seminar not only equips OFWs with practical knowledge but also provides access to long-term benefits through OWWA membership. For more detailed information about the benefits of PDOS and other OWWA programs, PDOS schedules, or enrollment requirements, you may want to visit the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) today.