Press Release
MWO – Hong Kong
PRC Conducts Second SPLE for 2026 in Hong Kong
Hong Kong, 20 September 2026 — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), together with the Philippine Consulate General, Migrant Workers Office (MWO) Hong Kong, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), successfully conducted the second Special Professional Licensure Examination (SPLE) for Professional Teachers on 20 September 2026 at the DMW-OWWA OFW Global Center.
A total of 287 examinees took part in the second leg of the 2026 SPLE in Hong Kong. This followed the first leg held from 29 to 31 May 2026, which was a historic milestone for the Filipino community in Hong Kong as it was the first time the Post hosted SPLE for various professions. The initiative brought professional licensure opportunities closer to OFWs, making it easier for them to pursue their careers while working overseas.
The SPLE is part of the Philippine government’s efforts to help OFWs continue learning, gain professional qualifications, and prepare for future opportunities, whether abroad or back home in the Philippines.
The PRC reported an overall passing rate of 52.11%, with 74 of 142 examinees successfully passing the various licensure examinations administered under the SPLE last May 2026 in Hong Kong. Among the professions represented, Social Workers recorded a 100% passing rate (2 of 2), followed by Architects at 80.00% (4 of 5), Professional Teachers – Secondary at 63.16% (36 of 57), Nurses at 47.62% (10 of 21), Professional Teachers – Elementary at 41.18% (21 of 51), and Agriculturists at 33.33% (1 of 3). No passers were recorded for the Customs Broker, Respiratory Therapist, and Veterinary Medicine licensure examinations during this SPLE administration.
Labor Attaché Cesar L. Chavez, Jr. highlighted the importance of the program in supporting the growth and future reintegration of OFWs.
“Ang Migrant Workers Office sa Hong Kong ay patuloy na sumusuporta sa ating mga kababayang OFW sa kanilang pagsisikap na mapalawak ang kanilang kaalaman at propesyonal na kakayahan. Ang SPLE ay nagbibigay ng pagkakataon para sa lifelong learning, professional advancement, at mas maayos na reintegration sa Pilipinas. Sa pamamagitan ng mga programang tulad nito, tinutulungan nating mabuksan ang mas maraming oportunidad para sa isang mas matatag na kinabukasan ng ating mga OFW at kanilang pamilya.”
The SPLE also serves as a pathway for reintegration. Through the DMW and Department of Education’s “Sa ‘Pinas, Ikaw ang Ma’am/Sir” program, OFWs who pass the licensure examination for teachers may pursue teaching opportunities in Philippine public schools should they decide to return home.
The continued conduct of the SPLE in Hong Kong is especially meaningful as the examinations only resumed in September 2025 after being suspended since 2018 due to political unrest and the COVID-19 pandemic. Its success reflects the Philippine government’s ongoing commitment to supporting the professional development and long-term welfare of OFWs.
MWO Hong Kong extends its gratitude to the entire team who made the SPLE possible — from the dedicated proctors to the personnel volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Their commitment and service ensured the smooth conduct of the examinations and exemplified the spirit of bayanihan in supporting our OFW examinees. ###
