Over 11,000 OFW teachers return to Philippines classrooms

Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!

Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.

Visit Suniway.ph to learn

April 8, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — At least 11,056 licensed teachers have transitioned from overseas employment back into Philippine public school classrooms, the Department of Education (DepEd) said.

As the agency steps up its efforts to reintegrate overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the ongoing Middle East crisis, Education Secretary Sonny Angara vowed to streamline the government’s support systems to help returning educators and other repatriated workers quickly rejoin the local workforce and provide ways to support their family and children.

“Under the leadership of President Marcos, we will not leave you to face these challenges alone as we strive to make the SPIMS (Sa Pinas, Ikaw ang Ma’am at Sir) process simpler, faster and more accessible,” Angara said.

The SPIMS program, launched in 2014, presents employment pathways for licensed teachers returning from abroad and helps address teacher shortages while strengthening the education sector by tapping into the global experience of OFWs.

During the recently held “Bagong Pilipinas Bayanihan Para sa Balikbayang Manggagawa National Reintegration Network and Job Fair” in Quezon City, at least 8,047 teachers received employment-related financial assistance, while 521 availed of online refresher courses.

DepEd also facilitated on-site registration for Accreditation and Equivalency tests for OFWs seeking further education, as well as the Philippine Educational Placement Test for their children.

Additional support programs include access to the Senior High School Voucher Program for learners continuing in private schools, 720 slots under the Teacher Education Scholarship Program for qualified family members and review incentive packages for returning OFWs preparing for the licensure examination for teachers.

Strengthened

Amid the ongoing conflict, DepEd also reaffirmed its commitment to Filipino learners and educators who remain overseas, particularly in the Middle East.

The agency said it continues to support more than 23,000 students enrolled in 27 Philippine Schools Overseas (PSOs) across the region.

In an online dialogue with school officials, DepEd assured stakeholders of sustained guidance to ensure both safety and continuity of education.

“In accordance with the directive of President Marcos Jr., we are here to provide support and clear guidance to ensure the education and security of our OFWs and their families in the midst of this challenge,” Angara said in a message delivered during the session.

DepEd officials addressed operational concerns raised by school heads, including crisis communication protocols and the need for academic flexibility under host country regulations.

All 27 PSOs in the Mideast have shifted to online learning delivery since March as a precautionary measure.

The department said regular dialogues will continue to ensure consistent support and coordination.

PSOs are registered institutions that implement the Philippine basic education curriculum abroad, helping Filipino learners transition smoothly back into the local school system while serving as cultural hubs for youth overseas.

Help desk

Meanwhile, support services for OFWs on the ground have also been strengthened.

The Philippine embassy in Egypt, in partnership with the Department of Migrant Workers and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), has launched a temporary OFW help desk to assist Filipinos in the country.

The help desk provides guidance on labor concerns, employment contract verification and assistance with processing overseas employment certificates, as well as access to OWWA programs and services.

The service runs from April 6 to 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the consular section of the Philippine embassy in Cairo.

No appointment is required for those who wish to avail of the services. — Christine Boton