Up to Php 20,000.00 Assistance Offered by Government Agencies

Medical transcription continues to grow as an industry here in Davao City. Local medical transcription service organizations (MTSOs) are looking to hire MTs to grow their companies. When Manila-based operators are considering Davao as their destination of choice in expanding their operations. Local entrepreneurs are also enthused in becoming part of the rapidly expanding business process outsourcing (BPO) industry thus providing increased job opportunities to their fellow Davaoeño.

Opportunities abound as the need for highly skilled, qualified medical transcriptionists increases to meet the demands of the industry in a medical transcription training program provides a head start for those investing to join the industry. However, the financial challenge of raising yhe funds necessary to get the quality education that they yearn for.

This is where the government steps in. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo recognizes that developing the ICT and BPO industry is of prime importance as this will help the country compete with nations such as India, China and other Asian countries.

Existing government funding for education may be availed of through the following programs. First, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has the PGMA Scholarship Program where 10,000 pesos voucher maybe used to avail of Medical Transcription Training Program. Interested applicants only have to pass a TESDA-administered assessment test to qualify in the program.

Second, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administrations (OWWA) is offering a 14,500 pesos subsidy for qualified dependents of registered OWWA members. An OWWA beneficiary who wants to avail of the subsidy must submit the following requirements:

> Application Form (Forms are at the OWWA office in Monteverde)
> 1"x1" ID pictures (3 copies)
> Proof of OWWA Membership (ie. Official Receipt of OWWA contribution, E-Card, Seaman's Book, POEA-authenticated Employment Contract
> Form 137/ HS Report Card/ Transcript of Records
> Proof of relationship to the OWWA Member/ OFW
- Copy of Birth Certificate (duly certified by LCR) of applicant if child of OFW
- Copy of Birth Certificate (duly certified by LCR) of both applicant and OFW if brother or sister of OFW
- Copy of Marriage Certificate (duly certified by LCR) if spouse of OFW

Additionally, there is a 5,000 tuition discount, on top of both government subsidies offered by MTC Academy for limited time only. These subsidy programs are envisioned to increase the available pool of skilled MTs and all the Davaoeño has to do is pick up that phone and dial 222-6822 for more details about how to enjoy all their benefits.