700 Pinoys in UAE avail of free computer courses

MANILA, Philippines - At least 700 Filipino expatriates in Dubai and Northern Emirates will take part in free computer courses that will run for 10 Fridays, an online news site reported Thursday. Khaleej Times reported that the courses will be held at Rewaq Cultural Centre in Al Twar 2 and at Abu Bakr Assiddiq Islamic Center in Dubai. The courses are being conducted in line with the Philippine government's reintegration program for workers displaced by the global financial crisis. Most of those participating in the training expect to use their skills to find a new career, particularly at this time of economic crisis when companies cut down on manpower requirements. Milo Torres of the Filipino Computer Club (FCC), instructor for web development, database and programming, said the short computer courses are for Filipino expatriates in the emirates. He said the courses teach Filipinos to develop and maintain web sites, be able to configure and assemble personal computers, and understand the basics of Network Administration. FCC President Cherry Pye Torres said the training was designed to provide beginners and new computer users knowledge on the basics of computer operations. It also aims to give advanced users opportunity to study other applications, Torres added. Meanwhile, President Arroyo announced in Bahrain Tuesday night the setting up of a special web portal where jobseekers can register according to their occupation. She also announced the establishment of re-training centers for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) in Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia that will train potential job seekers to enter the market. She urged 40,000 Filipino workers there to keep sending money to help Philippines cope with ongoing global financial crisis, the Khaleej Times report said. While meeting the community members, Arroyo said that exams for special licenses such as engineering will be held in Bahrain. Arroyo revealed as part of the scheme, engineers and other professionals could obtain their professional licenses from Bahrain rather than appearing for it back home. She added special help desks in each province in the Philippines to assist OFWs. "It's payback time for the heroic efforts of our people. We have pumped one billion pesos in a special expat livelihood program to train workers ... I am happy to see all of you together in Bahrain and I am proud that you are raising your families and contributing to both Bahrain and Philippines economies," Arroyo said. - GMANews.TV