Education Secretary Sonny Angara is accelerating the return of Filipino teachers fleeing rising tensions in the Middle East, pushing a reintegration effort that directly impacts displaced workers and classrooms facing teacher gaps across the country.
On Monday, the Department of Education (DepEd) said Angara is leading coordinated measures to absorb overseas Filipino worker teachers forced to leave the region, giving them a clear path back into public schools instead of facing unemployment upon returning home. The program offers employment opportunities, financial assistance, and education support for their families. It is anchored on the Sa Pinas, Ikaw ang Ma’am at Sir initiative (SPIMS), which has already reintegrated 11,056 licensed teachers into the Philippine education system since 2014. Data from the Department of Migrant Workers showed 8,047 teachers received financial assistance, while 521 completed refresher training to meet local standards.
Angara said the government is working to simplify the transition through the Bagong Pilipinas Bayanihan Para sa Balikbayang Manggagawa National Reintegration Network and Job Fair.
“Sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, hindi namin kayo hahayaang mag-isang harapin ang mga hamong ito habang sinisikap naming gawing mas simple, mas mabilis, at mas madaling maabot ang proseso ng SPIMS,” he said.
For returning teachers, the program lays out concrete steps back into the workforce. Qualified applicants may enter the public school system under standard hiring rules, with access to testing, licensure review support, and scholarship opportunities for their families. DepEd is also offering Accreditation and Equivalency tests, placement exams for children, and access to the Senior High School Voucher Program.
Teacher I Aylene Lara said, “I didn’t want to work abroad for a long time because it isn’t easy.” She added, “My father died while I was away, and that is a pain I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”
DepEd said bringing teachers home helps fill classroom needs while allowing families to stay together.
