ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Regional Welfare Office IX (OWWA RWO-IX) conducted a Parents-Scholars’ Conference and Information Drive on OWWA’s Programs and Services on November 10-11, 2018 at Woodland Resort, Zambowood, Zamboanga City.

The said conference is part of OWWA’s advocacy to inform their members not only on their various scholarship programs but also their programs and services.

Roselie Florida, OWWA9 -Programs and Services Division Head, shared that the activity served as an avenue for the parents to show commitment in supporting their children towards academic excellence.

OWWA scholars also benefit from the conference as they improve their knowledge and skills thru lectures on new trends on effective study habits and career guidance.

Dr. Maria Kristine Rothesa M. Reyes, a former Entrepreneurial Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) Scholar and a licensed physician inspired the participants thru her experiences as a scholar and her journey towards becoming a licensed physician. She encouraged all the scholars to be a good student as a way of giving back to their parents who works hard and sacrificed just to send them to school.

Ms. Amy Valmonte, Guidance Counselor at Ateneo de Zamboanga College Guidance and Counseling Office shared valuable insights on Career Guidance. She said:

“Career development is more than just deciding on a major and what job you want to get when one graduates. Career guidance is a lifelong process because situations change and one will continually have to make career and life decisions. Hence, the goal of career guidance is not only to help make decisions but to give knowledge and skills one needs to make decisions in their future career and life.”

Meanwhile, Family Welfare Officers Maricris S. Abastas and Lellann C. Pacatang discussed OWWA Programs and Services and Scholarship Agreement, respectively.

Participants were also treated to a night of fun as OWWA 9 organized the Search for Mr. and Ms. OWWA Scholar 2018 where representatives of Zamboanga del Norte bagged the title of Mr. and Ms. OWWA Scholar. END/Fatima Jane Salihuddin, OWWA9 LCO