Pursuant to Department Order No. 96-09, Series of 2009 and in view of the need to prepare Filipino professionals and skilled workers leaving for Canada on employment visa for smooth integration into the Canadian society, understand their culture and adjust to the communities with less difficulty, the following guidelines for the implementation of the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) are hereby issued:

I. The Program

The Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) for Filipino professionals and skilled workers leaving for Canada on employment visa is a one-day Seminar which will be conducted and managed by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

II. Coverage

All Filipino professionals, technical and skilled workers leaving for Canada on employment visa.

III. Content

The PDOS curriculum Seminar shall include the following topics:

1. Migration realities
2. Country/Province Specific Orientation
3. Work contract: terms and conditions
4. Health and Safety
5. Travel Tips and Procedures
6. Finance management
7. Government services

IV. Referral Procedure

1. Recruitment Agencies shall refer their Canada-bound workers to OWWA for PDOS at least two (2) weeks prior to deployment. OWWA shall provide the Agency the PDOS schedule for the workers who have been referred within 2 days from receipt of the list.

2. Name hires shall be referred by POEA to OWWA for attendance to PDOS.

V. Certificate of Attendance

The OWWA shall issue the certificate of attendance to participants who have successfully undergone the seminar. OWWA shall provide POEA through the list of OFWs who had completed the seminar for information and reference for the processing of the worker’s contract.

VI. Repealing Clause

All issuances inconsistent herewith are hereby deemed repealed.

VII. Effectivity

This Memorandum shall take effect immediately.

Adopted: 18 March 2009

(SGD.) CARMELITA S. DIMZON, DPA
Administrator