Education Secretary Sonny Angara is pushing a reintegration program for Filipino teachers in the Middle East who choose to return home amid ongoing security concerns in the region.
Angara said the DepEd Philippines is ready to absorb qualified educators through the Sa Pinas, Ikaw ang Ma’am at Sir (SPIMS) Program, which allows returning Overseas Filipino Workers who passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers to apply for permanent Teacher I positions. “To our Filipino teachers in the Middle East and in other parts of the world, the doors of our public schools are open to you,” Angara said. “If you decide to return home, DepEd will be with you in this new chapter of your service.”
Under the guidelines, applicants must be Filipino citizens, LET passers, and have at least one year of teaching experience within the last five years. They must also not have stayed in the Philippines for more than three consecutive years based on their latest arrival record. DepEd said the program was coordinated with the Department of Migrant Workers and partner agencies to ensure a structured transition. Online refresher courses will be available for returning teachers who need skills updates.
Angara encouraged eligible teachers to coordinate with the Department of Migrant Workers or the National Reintegration Center for OFWs and submit required documents such as a valid PRC ID, board rating certificate, and proof of overseas employment.
The initiative positions DepEd to strengthen the local teacher workforce while offering returning Filipino educators a direct path back into public service.
