MANILA, Philippines – Ediltrudis Person exuded confidence when she delivered her first-ever Powerpoint presentation to show her newfound skills in information and technology.

“Happy ako na mas nagkaroon ako ng confidence. Parang mas napa-'in' ako. Maraming opportunities kang mami-miss kung hindi mo alam,” said Mrs. Person.

Mrs. Person belonged to the Tulay Program’s first batch of 10 graduates in Baguio City. She graduated in February 2009.

She and her husband Raul are former overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and both graduated from the program.

“In order to prove to you that I’ve learned something, I tried to make this Powerpoint presentation,” she said.
 
At 55, Mrs. Person learned basic computer fundamentals, word processing, spreadsheet, powerpoint presentation, the use of the internet and the many potentials of the worldwide web.

"I know now how to send e-mail messages. I was able to try the Skype also and the web chatting," Mrs. Person said.

She said her newly acquired skills helped her find other income-generating opportunities.

“After learning of these fundamentals, I was able to get a sideline. I am now doing some computer typing/encoding for P10 per page,” she happily announced.

The enthusiastic graduate had actually prepared a 40-page slide presentation. However, she noticed that some slides were missing during her presentation and had jokingly accused her instructor of deleting it.

Microsoft program for OFWs

Tulay is a Microsoft Unlimited Potential program for OFWs and their families. The program provides technology skills trainings here and abroad and is a shared initiative of the Blas F. Ople Policy Center, the Department of Labor and Employment, and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

Over 20,000 OFWs and their dependents have benefited from the program since it was launched in 2004.

For Mrs. Person, age shouldn’t be a hindrance to try out new things that would help empower them in the future.

“To those young adults and even seniors, please do not be afraid to learn new things. Be patient and learn to have faith and develop confidence,” advised Mrs. Person.