IECEP-KSA-ERC, Labor Attaché Forge Path for OFW ETEEAP Scholarship Program

October 9, 2025, | Migrant Workers Office (MWO), Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia

In a landmark meeting held at the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, key representatives from the Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Eastern Region Chapter (IECEP-KSA-ERC) formally presented their proposal for the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) Scholarship for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

IECEP KSA-ERC Governor Johnel A. Corpuz, Adviser Jose Espinosa Jr., and ETEEAP Director Melvin Landicho led the delegation in a productive dialogue with Labor Attaché Solaiman C. Mutia. The meeting centered on the chapter’s official project proposal, which aims to provide financially constrained OFWs with remote access to college education through ETEEAP — a CHED-accredited program that converts work experience into academic credits.

Empowering OFWs Through Education

The IECEP KSA-ERC delegation emphasized the transformative potential of the scholarship, stating, “This initiative is not just about earning a degree — it’s about recognizing the value of our kababayans’ professional experience and giving them the academic credentials they deserve.”

They have elaborated on the program’s structure, highlighting its flexibility for working professionals abroad and its alignment with CHED and OWWA mandates. The scholarship would cover tuition, materials, and assessment fees, ensuring accessibility for OFWs regardless of location.

Government Support and Stakeholder Collaboration

Labor Attaché Mutia expressed strong interest in the proposal, commending IECEP-KSA-ERC’s proactive approach to OFW welfare. He acknowledged the program’s alignment with the Philippine government’s goals for inclusive education and reintegration support and pledged to review the proposal for endorsement and coordination with relevant agencies.

IECEP KSA-ERC delegation underscored the chapter’s commitment to long-term socioeconomic upliftment, noting, “We envision this scholarship as a bridge — connecting our OFWs’ hard-earned skills to formal recognition, and ultimately, to better opportunities for their families and communities.”

Next Steps

The meeting concluded with mutual agreement to explore implementation pathways, including coordination with Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

IECEP-KSA-ERC reaffirmed its readiness to assist in program rollout and monitoring if the proposal succeeded.

This initiative marks a potential significant stride in IECEP-KSA-ERC’s mission to advance not only Filipino electronics professionals abroad but for all qualified Overseas Filipino Workers.

For more information, visit www.iecepksaerc.org or contact iecepksaercsecretary@iecepksaerc.org.