Options/Solutions for Returning OFWs--a second course at ASHA

Fifty five thousand Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) went home after Libya broke into a very serious civil war just a few weeks ago. Most of those who immediately went home failed to even pack their things. With Japan and other Middle Eastern countries suffer from natural and man-made disasters, we expect more Filipino workers to come home.


The problem now is how to re-integrate them in our society. Many of these OFWs are over the age limit for jobs. They will surely find it extremely hard to land a nice job here.


It's okey if they saved enough to build a business of their own, but what if they already spent it for that house and lot and for that dream course for their kids? Obviously, most of them would really find it very hard to cope with the extreme economic conditions here.


Analyzing the situation, however, ours is better than other countries, why? Here, people help each other. If you live in a foreign land, the first thing that comes to mind is what will you do if an emergency situation happens, who should you call first? Many of us call our relatives in Manila. Some, well, depend on fellow Filipinos for their emergency needs. 


It is still better here because even if the most serious economic crisis strikes us, there is still some hope of at least someone helping you cope with your need. 


Government should, at the very least, provide an enabling environment for returning OFWs. What I am saying is, government should plan for the future for these OFWs, one of them, relaxing rules on bank financing.


One of the most tricky things in setting up a business here in the Philippines is the lack of loan facilities for entrepreneurs. Or, if an OFW want to, say, study for a different course, he has no option but depend on himself alone. What if he does not have the means for a second course that would surely lead to a nice future for him?


The Asian School of Hospitality Arts or ASHA is one institute that helps returning OFWs find their own spot under the sun. 


ASHA courses are offered for shifters, high school graduates and OFWs who want to become professional cooks, chefs, baristas, bartenders and housekeepers. ASHA has five branches: in Kamias road in Quezon City, Santolan road in San Juan, Tagaytay City, West Avenue, Quezon City and Antipolo.


For those who want to learn housekeeping, enrol at ASHA Santolan San Juan branch, as well as those who want an accounting degree certified by the London-based international certification on public accountants.


For those who live in Cavite, there's an ASHA branch at the SummitRidge hotel. For those who want a career in the hospitality management industry plus professional cooking, the ASHA branch is highly suitable for you.


ASHA was established for Filipinos who want to carve a career in the hospitality arts business. The Cravings Group founded the school in 2009, shortly after its success managing the Center for Culinary Arts (CCA). This year, CCA will celebrate its fifteen year pioneering work in the field of culinary arts.