Broadcast journalist Sonny Laragan shares practical tips to the participants on modulating one’s voice. Photo courtesy of POLO-OWWA

19 February 2019 LONDON—Close to 30 overseas Filipino workers in London signed up for the Speech Development course offered by the Philippine Embassy in London through the Philippine Overseas Labor Office – Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (POLO-OWWA).  The first session took place on 16 February 2019 with London-based broadcast journalist Sonny Laragan as the group's mentor. ABS-CBN Senior News Reporter Rose Eclarinal is expected to join the group in one of the sessions.

According to Labor Attaché Amuerfina Reyes, the four-week programme aims to build the participants’ sense of confidence when speaking in front of a crowd and to equip participants with important skills in interviewing sources. Media ethics is also an important topic that will be discussed throughout the module in order to promote the importance of responsible journalism.

"There are several stories waiting to be told," said Ambassador Antonio M. Lagdameo.  "But in order for these stories to become relevant, they must be told in an effective and responsible way."

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 participants speaks in front of the class during the course’s first speaking exercise. Photo courtesy of POLO-OWWA London