Question & AnswerQ&A (DOLE DEPARTMENT ORDER NO. 96-09)
The main purpose of the PDOS is to prepare Filipino professionals and skilled workers leaving for Canada for employment, to ensure their smooth integration into Canadian society, help them understand the culture, and facilitate easier adjustment to their new communities.
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is tasked with the centralization of the conduct and management of the PDOS for Filipino professionals and skilled workers bound for Canada.
OWWA is required to develop a country-specific and province-specific orientation program and curriculum tailored for Filipino workers going to Canada.
OWWA must produce comprehensive print and audio-visual information materials for the orientation program.
Attendance to the OWWA-administered PDOS is mandatory and forms part of the POEA requirements for the issuance of the travel exit document to Canada-bound OFWs.
After completing the PDOS, Filipino workers must secure the travel exit document which is a requirement for departure to Canada.
Yes, all other issuances inconsistent with Department Order No. 96-09 are deemed repealed.
The PDOS is a procedural requirement because it is mandated as a condition for the issuance of the travel exit document, making it a necessary step before Filipino workers can legally depart for employment in Canada.