1st Batch of OFWs Graduate in Embassy's Photography Course
The first batch of photography students graduated from the three-weekend basic photography module under the Philippine Embassy’s free skills training programme on 11 February 2019. (Mikki Macabangon photo)
LONDON 22 February 2019 – Around 30 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in London successfully completed the free photography training offered by the Philippine Embassy in London through the Philippine Overseas Labor Office-Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (POLO-OWWA) on 11 February 2019.
The photography module is one of the newest free skills training modules offered this year aimed at empowering OFWs to learn new skills that can possibly lead to a profitable business or startup.
"Photography isn't just a hobby but a career," said Ambassador to the United Kingdom Antonio M. Lagdameo, who delivered a brief message during the group exhibit.
"While talent and a keen eye for art are important, it is also a skill that can be learned and developed. We hope that those who finished this course will find new possibilities in the new skill they have learned," he added.
Professional London-based photographer Elijah Villanueva mentored the participants during the training and played a key role in conceptualising and mounting the exhibit.
The exhibit, "Imagine," challenged the participants to view the community they currently live in with fresh eyes.
“We aim in this course is to bring out the artistic talent ng mga kababayan natin as a way of expressing themselves, and also as a way of sharing their lives as overseas Filipino workers here in the United Kingdom,” said Mr. Villanueva.
According to PayScale.com, photographers in the U.K. earn an average of £21,000 to £34,000 (around PhP1.4 million to PhP2.3 million) per year, based on an average hourly rate of £10.33 (some PhP700).
POLO-OWWA continues to offer new modules in its free skills training program, which has been running for the last nine years.
Last year, POLO-OWWA conducted more than 30 skills trainings for close to 800 participants. END
One of the course’s graduates proudly shows off her night shot of Piccadilly Circus. (POLO-OWWA London photo)
Elijah Villanueva talks about his journey with the participants of the basic photography course. Listening intently to him are (from left) Labor Attaché Amuerfina Reyes, Ambassador to the United Kingdom Antonio M. Lagdameo, and POLO Welfare Officer Maria Consolacion Marquez. (POLO-OWWA London photo)
Ambassador to the United Kingdom Antonio M. Lagdameo welcomes the photographers and guests at the group exhibit. He urges the photographers to hone their new skill and to continue taking photographs that tell meaningful and relevant stories. (POLO-OWWA London photo)
For more information, visit www.londonpe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/pg/PHLinUK and @philippinesinuk on Twitter.