The Philippine government announced Wednesday that more than 10,000 former overseas Filipino workers who passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) have successfully returned to the country’s public education system through a dedicated reintegration initiative.
The Department of Migrant Workers said the milestone was achieved through its “Sa ‘Pinas, Ikaw ang Ma’am at Sir” (SPIMS) program, which translates to “In the Philippines, You Are the Ma’am and Sir.” The program assists licensed teachers who worked abroad in resuming their original profession upon repatriation.
“Over the years, SPIMS has enabled more than 10,000 OFWs to return to their vocation and teach in various public schools across the country,” the department said in a statement.
The initiative provides guidance, job placement support and coordination with the Department of Education to place returning teachers in public schools. Officials said the program not only helps former migrant workers rebuild their careers but also addresses staffing needs in the Philippine education sector.
The Department of Migrant Workers is strengthening its partnership with the Department of Education to bring additional qualified teachers back into the system, the statement added.
On Monday, the department held a recognition ceremony in Mandaluyong City, metropolitan Manila, where beneficiaries received Certificates of Recognition.
DMW Assistant Secretary for Reintegration Francis Ron De Guzman and National Capital Region Director Falconi Millar praised the returning educators for their commitment to teaching Filipino students after years working overseas.
The SPIMS program, launched in recent years, continues to expand and has been credited with both revitalizing the careers of former migrant teachers and contributing to the overall strengthening of the country’s public education system.
