The Philippines government is bracing for a surge in the number of overseas Filipino workers who wish to return to the country and seek employment at home as teachers in public schools. According to Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma of the Department of Labour and Employment most of these overseas workers are well qualified to teach in public schools and went abroad only because they want to seek greener pastures.

"Most of our OFWs in Hong Kong are professionals and overqualified for their present jobs. They went there only because they needed to find greener pastures," said Laguesma. He said teaching posts in public schools became attractive only recently, after the government made their salaries more competitive.

Recent reports indicate that salaries of public school teachers are now higher than in private schools, prompting even private school teachers to seek employment in public schools. "Many of our OFWs are teachers. Now that our public schools are offering competitive salaries, many of these OFWs want to come back," Laguesma said.

In the meantime, Laguesma said the government continues to pursue measures that will help create jobs and livelihood for OFWs who return to the country for good. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration has set up a scholarship programme for vocational or technical courses, and provides tuition and monthly allowances to OFWs, he said.

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration also offers seminars and scholarship programmes, as well as livelihood assistance, although Laguesma said this is not likely to include funds for 'sari-sari' stores, saying the market has become too crowded.

Laguesma also said the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority continues to help OFWs learn new skills so they can adjust to new jobs if they wish to return here for good. The labour department, he added, also offers other services like job-matching for OFWs.

As for Filipino seafarers and domestic workers, Laguesma said he sees better times ahead for them next year, following recent developments both here and abroad. He said the recent inclusion of the Philippines in an international white list for seafarers should also boost the economy.

Laguesma noted that Filipino seafarers remitted about $ 500 million in the first six months of 2000 alone. The Philippines qualified for the white list of the International Maritime Organisation, which allows sailors to find employment on board vessels in international waters.

At least 200,000 Filipino seafarers are expected to benefit from the Philippines' inclusion on the white list. The labour secretary said domestic helpers can also expect better assistance from the Philippine government as he cited the efforts of Philippine embassies abroad to provide them with better working conditions and give adequate legal aid for Filipino maids facing criminal cases.