At 46, Melinda Godinez-Panerio has swapped her stage lights for a classroom as a Grade 7 teacher at Bangkal National High School. Her career shift was made possible through the Sa Pinas, Ikaw ang Ma’am at Sir (Spims) initiative, aimed at reintegrating overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) into the local education system.
From Performer to Educator
Godinez-Panerio spent years performing in Malaysia and Singapore, supported by her singing career while being an OFW. Yet, she realized that her qualifications in education could lead her to a more meaningful path.
“It wasn’t easy to shift careers, but I kept believing there was a bigger purpose for me,”
Melinda Godinez-Panerio, Teacher
- Transition from performance to teaching
- Support from the Spims program
- Focus on family stability
The Spims program, launched by the National Reintegration Center for OFWs under the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), specifically assists licensed teachers among OFWs in securing permanent positions within the Philippine public school system.
Godinez-Panerio first learned about Spims in 2016. Despite her degree in education from the University of Cebu, she faced challenges transitioning from the entertainment industry to academia. However, her perseverance paid off.
Now a seasoned educator, she has earned a Doctor of Education in Development Education and multiple master's degrees, underscoring the program's effectiveness.
Support for Reintegration
The Spims initiative not only offers job placement but also provides essential resources for returning educators. As part of the program, Godinez-Panerio received teaching kits worth approximately P20,000.
Luchel Senarlo Taniza, Supervising Labor and Employment Officer at the DMW, highlighted the program's tangible support, which includes instructional materials to help teachers adapt to their new roles.
Impact on the Education System
The success of Godinez-Panerio serves as a beacon for many Filipino educators abroad, as an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 teachers leave the Philippines each year, contributing to a significant brain drain.
The Spims initiative aims to reverse this trend by integrating the global experiences of OFWs back into the local educational framework.
Reflecting on her journey, Godinez-Panerio urges fellow OFWs to trust the reintegration efforts. “I never expected I would be one of the blessed beneficiaries of this program. But here I am,” she said.