The Philippine Embassy through the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) recently conducted free livelihood training session on basic pattern making and cutting for the Filipino expatriates in Brunei on two Sundays, May 15 and May 22 from (9:30 AM to 4:00 PM) at the Multi-purpose Hall of the Philippine Embassy Brunei.

The livelihood training is an on-going activity of the Philippine Embassy in Brunei to encourage all overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their dependents to learn new and practical skills that may be useful to start their own livelihood to earn sustainable income upon their return to the Philippines.

The livelihood training is in support of the Reintegration Program of the Philippine government, sponsored by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), an agency attached to the Philippine Department of Labor and Employment.

Mr. Pepito Olivar, a professional cutter and sewer of Syarikat Jamilah was the resource person for the said training.

Mr. Olivar, an overseas Filipino worker, has been in the cut and sew apparel industry for twenty six (26) years and working in Brunei for almost 10 years now.

Mr. Olivar has beens a recipient of OWWA's Skills Enhancement Scholarship Program (SESP) and wanted to share his knowledge and techniques to help other OFWs learn new skills. This was his way of returning the OWWA's favor and helping his fellow Filipinos.

Welof Zenaida Ramos likewise presented a lecture on Financial Literacy to promote the culture of savings toward financial freedom and discussed the importance of financial planning and redefined ways of savings.

A total of 34 participants attended Phase 1 on May 15 and 45 participants attended Phase 2 on May 22 of the livelihood training program.

The participants were taught the proper way to take body measurement and basic pattern making on blouse and sleeve during phase 1 and basic skirt, full dress pattern and collar during phase 2 of the course.

A special award and token gift were each given to OFW Dominador Cadiz and OFW Luningning Ortega for making the best cut and sewn blouse during the activity.

Hjh Jauyah Binte Hj Basni, owner of Syarikat Jamila Kedai Jahit and employer of OFW Pepito Olivar, resource person was given a Ceritificate of Appreciation for her invaluable assistance and support for the conduct of Basic Pattern Making and Cutting livelihood program for OFWs.

The participants thanked the Philippine Embassy for conducting livelihood programs for OFWs. They also expressed appreciation for the Embassy's tips on practical and proper ways of saving.