Nineteen Filipinos here have completed various courses in computer education and received graduation certificates from the Philippine Society of Information and Communication Technology Practitioners-Saudi Arabia (PHILTECH). The graduation ceremony was held last Friday at the International Philippine School in Al-Khobar and was attended by representatives of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), led by Ron Bartolome, welfare officer, and Maria Rosario Avance?a, administration staff. The graduates finished comprehensive courses in PC assembly and troubleshooting, Basic AutoCAD, computer usage, and Adobe Photoshop. “PHILTECH has been in the forefront of providing computer education to our overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), and we are encouraged by the fact that they are taking the opportunity to learn information and communication technology while gainfully employed here in Saudi Arabia,” said Mert Altares, president of PHILTECH, in his opening remarks. There were six graduates of the PC assembly and troubleshooting course: Fortunato De Guzman, Ryan Gadores, Elvina Timbangan, Walter Cai?a, Wilfredo Guerrero and John Ruel Cai?a. Seven graduated from the course Basic AutoCAD, a computer skill much sought after in the Kingdom's construction industry: Rommel Sanchez, Angelito Ilagan, Julian Libot Jr., Arnold Vivo, Allan Aguila, George Alparo and Guillermo Castillo. Six OFWs completed the course in computer usage: Josephine Bornia, Pelagio Bonotan Jr., Celestino Asis Jr., Vall Guantia and Rosalie Cabrera. Vicky Amoyen finished both the Adobe Photoshop and computer usage courses. Bartolome cited the importance of computer education, saying: “Computer learning and education are a retooling and enabling thrust that our migrant workers should be encouraged to pursue because computer knowledge could be their basic support skills when they finally return to the Philippines.” Computer education, which could lead to business and commercial enterprises, is part of the reintegration program now being offered to all OFWs, including household service workers, Bartolome added. His final message was for all Filipinos to show love for their country. He cited South Korea's rise as an Asian economic power whose people sacrificed and showed their support toward pushing the development of the Korean economy. Various members of the Filipino community in the Eastern Province attended the ceremony. The Desert Sound Trio composed of Pelagio Bonotan Jr., Danny Saplot and Remuel Bacho provided musical entertainment. Established some 10 years ago, PHILTECH is the pioneering computer association of Filipinos in Saudi Arabia and an Accredited Community Partner of the Philippine Embassy. Its current officials are Mert Altares, president; Romy Dichoso, vice president; Marichu Fillarca, secretary/treasurer; Dennis San Joe, business manager; and Rene Umipig, adviser. PHILTECH's pool of instructors include Rene Umipig and Ferdie Magnaye, AutoCAD; Gary Catapang, networking; Denise San Jose, computer usage and Adobe Photoshop; Romy Dichoso, PC assembly; and Nolito Mabeza and Renato Mananquil. The Society regularly conducts courses in Basic AutoCAD with 3D tutorial, PC troubleshooting, Adobe Photoshop CSR with Web development, basic computer and Microsoft application usage (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and SharePoint), networking, PC and laptop assembly, and cellphone repair. __
