Filipinos in UAE to get training on saving

Abu Dhabi: Filipino expatriates in the UAE are invited to learn tips on saving from financial and entrepreneurial training to be offered by the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, Filipino diplomats told Gulf News on Wednesday.

Reports have shown that compared to other expatriate communities in the UAE, Filipinos did not save much from their income and some ended up in debt, Grace Relucio Princesa, the Philippine Ambassador to the UAE said.

Princesa and diplomats spoke to Gulf News yesterday at the Philippine Embassy's new premises in Al Bateen, which also houses the Philippine Overseas Labour Office, the Workers' Resource Centre and the Department of Trade office.

"Now all offices have come under one roof and the welfare measures can be undertaken easily for the community as we work like ‘One Country Team'," the ambassador said.

Princesa said as part of the training programme, volunteers would be trained to become teachers. "So most of the community members [volunteer trainers] will be training others on financial and entrepreneurial matters," Princesa said.

The ambassador said informal attempts had already begun. "We will use all avenues like local church to reach out to the community," the ambassador said.

The diplomats said the welfare measures were part of the Philippine Government's efforts to support overseas workers.

Minister Adelio Cruz, labour attache Nasser. B. Munder, assistant labour attache Elizabeth Marie R. Estrada, administrative officer Cornelio H.Nambatac, and welfare officer James B. Mendiola also attended the meeting.