47 OFWs pass CSC exams

Filipino domestic helpers during their rest day in Hong Kong.

NEARLY 50 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Hong Kong and Macau successfully passed the Civil Service Commission (CSC) exam last year, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said.

Bello said 47 OFWs will get a Certification of Eligibility to work in government  after passing the Career Service Examination- Pen and Paper Test (CSE-PPT) that was held in Hong Kong.

The number of passers comprised 4.93 percent of the 953 OFWs who took the CSE-PPT in Kowloon in November.

Labor Attaché Jalilo dela Torre said they are planning to hold another CSC exam in Hong Kong in October.

Out of 676 who took the Professional Level exam, there were 17, or 2.51 percent, who passed.

Out of the 277 who took the Sub-Professional Level test, there were 30 or 10.83 percent, who succeeded.

The low passing rate, however, is prompting the Philippine Overseas Labor Office to evaluate the level of preparation needed to improve the number of passers.

Those who passed the Professional Level exam were Mary Joy G. Alfonga, Ma. Tricia Nhela S. Balagso, Joceline A. Dam-Ag, Cynthia T. Dingil, Zosima L. Dul-Og, Lorena B. Galvez, Joanna Marie P. Gutierrez, Yunika V. Moraleja, Maria Venus G. Pacapac, Carla Teresa P. Ramos, Laarni Sacramento, Ellen E. Sajulla, Sally B. Solis, Kristine A. Sumawang, Gregoria B.  Tolentino, Patricia Clara R. Tubaǹa, and Filipina O. Villacampa.

Those who obtain a Career Service Professional Eligibility can secure a first level (clerical) or second level (technical hanggang division chief) position in government that does not require the “practice of profession” and are not covered by other laws.

Those who passed the sub-professional exam, and are eligible for first level (clerical) positions in government, are Christina Agus, Gemma B. Arnaiz, Mary Faith Galve, Salome S. Jimenez, Catherine T. Ronquillo, Maricris C. Tumbaga, Ginalyn Agacia, Vernisa A. Alingbas, Annalou Bodoǹa, Retchell L. De Lemos, Ana Rose R. Gapusan, Jocelyn U. Ventura, Azenith G. Antonio, Jomaica Marie F. Cuenco, and Malou L. Dela Cruz.

The other successful passers for the sub-professional level included Janet D. Flores, Marina E. Petallano, Ana Marie Bayot, Cristy Anne A. Leal, Babylyn Abasa, Mary Ann G. Alegarme, June Andrea D. Ramos, Loniza G. Navaja, Silvestra Balatico, Argelisa M. Baleros, Mary Ann B. Liegen, Merania T. Ngupos, Princess Joy E. Peralta, Mary C. Ekwasen, and Gladde Mae D. Balucan.

Bello said those who passed should personally get their Certification of Eligibility at the CSC office listed in their online registration form when they return to the Philippines. Representatives will not be allowed to get the certification.

To get the certification, those who passed should bring along their Philippine passport, Hong Kong Identity Card, Macau Identification Card, and their application receipt or CSC official receipt.

Bello also said that there were other requirements for government work.

“To get a permanent job in government, they also require education, work experience and relevant trainings,” he said.

Bello said the CSC exam was part of government efforts to reintegrate OFWs who go home to the Philippines.

“This initiative is in support of the reverse migration advocacy of our government,” Bello said.

The CSC administered the examination to a total of 953 overseas Filipino workers at Delia Memorial School in Kwun Tong, Hong Kong on Nov. 27, 2016.

The CSC said that the conduct of the CSE is in support of the Department of Labor and Employment’s reintegration campaign which, the latter says, aims to “encourage the vulnerable OFWs to return to the country and be with their families again.”

It is the first time after nearly two decades for the CSC to hold the exam for Filipinos abroad.

The POLO, headed by Dela Torre, enabled a sign-up campaign among OFWs in Hong Kong and the acceptance of exam applications.

The CSC also said a Professional or Subprofessional eligibility is just one of the requirements to join the government.

Education, experience, and training requirements must also be met for permanent appointment to a government career service position.