PH Embassy in Brunei Conducts Skills, Language Training

Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Christopher B. Montero (fifth from left) and Professor Eilene Narvaez (fourth from left) with the participants of the Filipino Language Seminar on 18 August 2019 at the Chancery. (Brunei PE photo)

Graduates of the Basic Computer Training and Basic Baking Course with Ambassador to Brunei Christopher B. Montero (front row, fourth from left), Labor Attaché Melissa Mendizabal (front row, third from right), Overseas Workers Welfare Officer Anwar Ampang (front row, second from right) and training instructors at the Cosmopolitan College of Commerce and Technology campus on 18 August 2019. (Brunei PE photo)

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN 11 September 2019 – The Philippine Embassy in Brunei conducted a two-day seminar on the Filipino Language from 17 to 18 August at the Chancery and graduation ceremony of the third batch of graduates of the Basic Computer Training Course and Basic Baking Course at the Cosmopolitan College of Commerce and Technology campus on 18 August 2019.

In celebration of the Buwan ng Wika, the Philippine Embassy in Brunei, in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), organized a two-day seminar on the Filipino Language where University of the Philippines in Diliman-Department of Filipino and Philippine Literature Assistant Professor Eilene Antoinette G. Narvaez served as resource speaker.

The seminar on the first day focused on “Ortograpiyang Pambansa,” which discussed the history and current practice of the Filipino language, as well as the rules and guidelines on its proper grammar and usage.

On the second day, Professor Narvaez presented “Teaching Filipino as a Second Language” and provide useful tips on how to engage with students for a better learning of the Filipino language.

The activity was attended by almost 100 Filipino teachers based in Brunei, most of whom serve as volunteers of the one-week long Filipino Language and Cultural Enhancement Program (FLCEP) held annually by the Embassy. The FLCEP provides young Filipino children, aged five to 17, with the opportunity to further enhance their knowledge of Filipino culture and language, and boost their sense of nationalism.

In his closing remarks, Ambassador to Brunei Christopher B. Montero acknowledged the valuable contributions of Filipino teachers in Bruneian society, while at the same time underlining the critical role they play in educating young Filipinos to embrace their Filipino culture and identity.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Embassy in Brunei, through the initiatives of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and the Overseas Worker Welfare Administration Office (OWWA), held commencement exercises on 18 August 2019 for the third batch of graduates of the Basic Computer Training Course and Basic Baking Course at the Cosmopolitan College of Commerce and Technology campus.

A total of 82 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) completed the two training courses. Two classes composed of 36 OFWs finished the Basic Computer Training, and 46 OFWs completed Basic Baking Course.

The Basic Computer Training Course as well as the Basic Baking Course is part of the Reintegration Preparedness Program of the Philippine Government for OFWs. These programs intend to give additional livelihood skills to Filipinos in Brunei, especially to Household Service Workers.

OFWs expressed their gratitude to the Embassy for the opportunity to learn new skills, broaden their knowledge, and enhance their confidence in their workplaces.

Ambassador to Brunei Christopher B. Montero encouraged the graduates to continuously learn and enhance their skills with the end goal of eventually returning to the Philippines. Meanwhile, Labor Attaché Melissa Mendizabal gave a brief overview of the next livelihood trainings/seminars that will be offered by the Embassy’s POLO-OWWA Office. END

Ambassador Montero delivers his congratulatory message to the graduates. (Brunei PE photo)

For more information, visit https://www.bruneipe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philippine-embassybrunei.org or https://www.facebook.com/PHinBrunei/.