The Philippine Normal University (PNU) formally welcomed 194 returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) under Batch 64 of the PNU–Sa ‘Pinas Ikaw ang Ma’am at Sir Online Refresher Course (PNU-SPIMS-ORC) during an orientation program held on April 25, 2026. With the addition of this cohort, the program reached a total of 489 active participants, including 291 continuing learners.
As a key partner of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), PNU reinforced its vital role in advancing the government’s reintegration agenda by assisting Licensed Professional Teachers (LPTs) in their transition from overseas employment to teaching positions in the Philippines, particularly within the Department of Education (DepEd).
The Sa ‘Pinas Ikaw ang Ma’am at Sir (SPIMS) program, established in 2015, served as a multi-agency initiative implemented in coordination with the DMW, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the Professional Regulation Commission, DepEd, and the Commission on Higher Education. The program was designed to provide returning OFWs with viable pathways to resume their professional careers in teaching.
Pursuant to Republic Act No. 9293, licensed professional teachers who had not practiced the profession for five consecutive years were required to complete at least 12 units of education courses to regain eligibility for teaching positions.
In support of this requirement, PNU—through its College of Alternative and Lifelong Learning (CALL), with the assistance of a dedicated pool of faculty volunteers—delivered the Online Refresher Course at no cost to DMW-endorsed OFWs. The program was designed to update the participants’ pedagogical competencies and ensure their readiness to effectively re-enter the Philippine basic education system.
As of the orientation, the PNU-SPIMS-ORC had assisted 1,049 returning OFWs in restoring their professional standing and pursuing teaching careers in the country, underscoring PNU’s continuing commitment to national development and public service through teacher education.
