The government is set to provide training scholarships and allowances to repatriated overseas Filipino workers, rehabilitated drug dependents, and other members of the marginalized sector, officials said Tuesday.

The government will shoulder the tuition, transportation allowance, tools, and meals of the scholars under the "Emergency Skills Training Program," Guiling Mamondiong, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority's (TESDA) director general, said in a press conference.

"Maraming tao ang nangangailangan ng skills agad-agad... maraming OFWs ang umuwi dahil hindi tugma yung skills nila sa kailangan ng employer," Mamondiong said.

Former drug dependents and illegal settlers will also be prioritized to help them improve their lives, Mamondiong added.

TESDA is also prioritizing scholarships for wives of traffic enforcers.

"We can, to reduce extortion activities conducted by traffic enforcers by helping their spouses have an additional source of income," Mamondiong said.

Courses offered under the scholarship include carpentry, masonry, welding, plumbing, electrical installation maintenance, cookery, food processing, and bus and straight truck driving.

These are among the most in demand skills in major job-generating industries such as construction, tourism, agri-fisheries, health and wellness, and ICT, Mamondiong said.

Interested applicants should be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate, officials said.

They are required to submit 2 pieces 1x1 picture with white background, and an accomplished application form to the 4 TESDA training centers in Taguig, or online via TESDA's official website.

Application period will begin in May, but grants will be given on a first come, first serve basis, officials said.

"We will launch the program in the National Capital Region on May 1 just in time for Labor Day, and plan to expand it nationwide within the month," Mamondiong said.