Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. (HCCCI) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Region XII are exploring areas of collaboration to promote safe migration, expand career development opportunities, and strengthen livelihood and reintegration support for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), returning migrant workers, students, and other eligible beneficiaries in SOCCSKSARGEN.

The engagement in Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. Campus, Surallah, South Cotabato, brought together representatives of HCCCI and DMW XII to discuss potential areas of cooperation between the academe and the government. The discussion focused on how educational institutions can contribute to skills development, employment preparation, entrepreneurship, and community-based capacity building in support of migrant workers and their families.

Through a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), both parties seek to establish a framework for collaboration that connects education and training with practical livelihood and employment opportunities. The proposed partnership may include financial literacy, business planning, entrepreneurship seminars, flexible learning opportunities, pre-employment orientation activities, and other capacity-building initiatives aligned with DMW XII’s programs and HCCCI’s educational capabilities.

A key area of potential collaboration is livelihood preparation. HCCCI may support relevant DMW initiatives by conducting or co-hosting financial literacy and business planning seminars for participants preparing to receive livelihood assistance. The partnership may also explore participation in programs such as Karunungan Tungo sa Kabuhayan (K2K) and Byaheng Entrep, including possible industry visits and enterprise exposure activities in 2027, subject to further coordination and program requirements.

The proposed collaboration also recognizes the importance of preparing OFWs for opportunities beyond overseas employment. By exploring flexible learning, skills development, and credential pathways, the institutions aim to help interested workers pursue further education and develop competencies that may support their employment or entrepreneurial prospects upon returning to the Philippines. The partnership may likewise provide opportunities for DMW XII representatives to conduct information sessions, pre-employment orientations, and presentations for appropriate HCCCI audiences, helping learners make informed decisions about employment and overseas work.

For HCCCI, the initiative reinforces its commitment to education that responds to workforce needs and community development priorities. By engaging with DMW XII, the institution seeks to extend its educational resources and expertise beyond the classroom, supporting practical learning opportunities that can help individuals prepare for employment, strengthen their financial capabilities, and explore sustainable livelihood options.

The proposed partnership aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education, through lifelong learning and skills development; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, through employment preparation, entrepreneurship, and livelihood readiness; SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, through efforts to broaden access to learning and development opportunities for migrant workers and other eligible beneficiaries; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through strengthened cooperation between government and the academe.

As discussions progress toward formalizing the agreement, HCCCI and DMW XII will continue to identify feasible activities, clarify institutional responsibilities, and determine which initiatives can be implemented within their respective mandates and available resources. The proposed MOU will provide a foundation for further coordination and the development of programs responsive to the needs of students, OFWs, returning migrant workers, their families, and the wider community.

Through this emerging partnership, HCCCI and DMW XII aim to connect education, livelihood preparation, and career development in ways that support informed decisions, responsible migration, and sustainable opportunities for individuals and communities across SOCCSKSARGEN.