Life support and first aid skills are invaluable, more so if you’re going to work abroad. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is now offering Basic Life Support and First Aid Training to departing OFWs. The course is in addition to the Language Training and Culture Familiarization for departing household service workers working abroad for the first time. These courses are offered free if you can present verified employment contracts or working visa.

The language courses include the following:

• Mandarin
• Cantonese
• Arabic
• Hebrew
• Italian

Along with the language courses is a short culture familiarization seminar on the customs and traditions of host countries. Basic English Training is also offered to those who have difficulty speaking the language. Trainees who finish the courses are issued a certificate of attendance. The trainings are held at the Blas F. Ople Development Center, which has facilities for conferences and training, a modern auditorium, and a dormitory.

For inquiries, visit the Blas F. Ople Development Center at the old OWWA Building, corner Victoria and Solana Sts., Intramuros, Manila. Or call (02) 527 3656, (02) 897 7763 or (02) 891 7601 local 5612. Enrollment forms can be downloaded at www.owwa.gov.ph.