Manila, Philippines – The Department of Education (DepEd) expressed its readiness to support Filipino teachers in the Middle East who are planning to return to the Philippines due to the current tensions in the region.
According to DepEd, under the “Sa Pinas, Ikaw ang Ma’am at Sir” (SPIMS) program, qualified and licensed teachers returning to the country may be given employment in public schools.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara said they may be appointed as Teacher I, but this will still depend on the existing qualification standards and hiring guidelines.
The requirements include, passing the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET), being a Filipino citizen holding a Philippine passport, having at least one year of teaching experience within the last five years and not having resided in the Philippines for more than three consecutive years.
Returnees will also undergo online refresher courses and other training related to the K–12 curriculum.
The Education Department emphasized that the SPIMS program, in partnership with the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (DMW-NRCO), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and other partner agencies, is focused on assisting overseas Filipino teachers who wish to return to the country.
However, the application process still requires teachers to submit valid documents, such as a PRC ID, Certificate of Boarding Rating, and proof of overseas employment.