The first batch of photography students graduated on 11February from the three-weekend basic photography module under the Philippine Embassy’s free skills training programme. Photo by Mikki Macabangon
19 February 2019 LONDON—Around 30 overseas Filipino workers in London successfully completed the free photography training offered by the Philippine Embassy through the Philippine Overseas Labor Office-Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (POLO-OWWA) on 11 February.
The photography module is one of the newest free skills training modules offered this year aimed at empowering OFWs to learn new skills that can possibly lead to a profitable business or startup.
"Photography isn't just a hobby but a career," said Ambassador Antonio M. Lagdameo who delivered a brief message during the group exhibit. "While talent and a keen eye for art are important, it is also a skill that can be learned and developed. We hope that those who finished this course will find new possibilities in the new skill they have learned."
Professional London-based photographer Elijah Villanueva mentored the participants during the training and played a key role in conceptualising and mounting the exhibit.
The exhibit, "Imagine," challenged the participants to view the community they currently live in with fresh eyes.
“We aim in this course is to bring out the artistic talent ng mga kababayan natin as a way of expressing themselves, and also as a way of sharing their lives as overseas Filipino workers here in the United Kingdom,” said Villanueva.
According to PayScale.com, photographers in the UK earn an average of GBP 21,000 to GBP 34,000 (around Php 1,400,000 to Php 2,300,000) per year, based on an average hourly rate of GBP 10.33 (around Php 700).
POLO-OWWA continues to offer new modules in its free skills training programme, which has been running for the last nine years. Last year, POLO-OWWA conducted more than 30 skills trainings for close to 800 participants. For more information on the latest course offerings, please contact POLO-OWWA by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or through Facebook, @POLOOWWALondon.
One of the course’s graduates proudly shows off her night shot of Piccadilly Circus. Photo courtesy of POLO-OWWA London
Elijah Villanueva, the groups’ mentor talks about his journey with the participants of the basic photography course. Listening intently to him are (L-R) Labor Attaché Amuerfina Reyes, Ambassador Antonio M. Lagdameo, and POLO Welfare Officer Maria Consolacion Marquez. Photo courtesy of POLO-OWWA London
Ambassador Antonio M. Lagdameo welcomes the photographers and guests at the group exhibit. He urges the photographers to hone their new skill and to continue taking photographs that tell meaningful and relevant stories. He is flanked by Labor Attaché Amuerfina Reyes and POLO Welfare Officer Maria Consolacion Marquez. Photo courtesy of POLO-OWWA London