By FINA MONTEMAYOR

ABS-CBN Regional Network Group

DAGUPAN, PANGASINAN -- There are those who are born to become heroes and there are those who prefer to be one, and now Pangasinenses can easily become heroes.

High paying employers including foreigners do not just want ordinary househelp but well-trained ones. This is why President Arroyo has been pushing for a program that will upgrade the innate skills of Filipino domestic helpers who are still in demand abroad.

Dubbed as "Super Maid" by PGMA, it is a training program by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) designed to create the most out of Pinoy maids, who aside from household chores, can also save lives and can escape dangers caused by natural and man-made disasters. This is through the special curriculum which includes instructions on cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid and evacuation procedures.

Here in Pangasinan, a private university has grabbed the opportunity to train residents who want a job as a domestic helper abroad. A 2-month "Super Maid" training course is now being offered by the Lyceum Northwestern University in Dagupan City. The curriculum having been accredited by TESDA. The first of its kind here in the North, Lyceum aims to hone highly-skilled house help well-deserving of large compensation.

Though no assurance yet that all enrollees can be employed for opportunities abroad, Jose Espino, a curriculum instructor ensures that a hundred percent of these "super maid" wannabes will be prioritized later for jobs fit for them.

Militant groups like MIGRANTE however condemn such programs, saying this is not a solution to the increasing case of unemployment in the country.

Flora Belinan of MIGRANTE Metro Baguio believes this is but another way to exploit more Filipinos whose hopes rely on foreign demands – exactly what the government dictates.

In spite of criticisms, the Arroyo government will continue pushing for the "Super Maid" program not just to create superheroes among Filipinos but to raise their morale and integrity as hard working individuals.