PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday recognized the sacrifices and contributions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and reaffirmed his administration’s continued support to them and their families.
“Narito kami upang isulong ang inyong mga karapatan at upang tugunan ang inyong mga pangangailangan (We are here to promote your rights and address you needs),” the President said during the Pamaskong Handog Para sa Overseas Filipino Worker Family event in Malacañang.
Marcos said the government, led by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and other concerned agencies and Philippine consulates and embassies abroad, is always there to protect and ensure their welfare and rights of the OFWs and their families.
He highlighted some of the initiatives of the government to assist the OFWs such as livelihood programs for returning Filipino migrant workers, scholarships for their children, and even providing a convenient and comfortable lounge for traveling OFWs at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3. The President said similar facilities would be set up in other airports in the country.
The President said the government is also committed to providing quality healthcare to OFWs and their families and even touted the groundbreaking of the OFW Hospital-Bagong Pilipinas Cancer Care Center last week.
He said the OFW Hospital could provide OFWs with top-notch medical services, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy for those with cancer.
Marcos said the government is also continuously talking with other countries not just to forge better relations but also to ensure the protection and welfare of migrant Filipinos.
He reiterated that many countries appreciate the talents, hard work, and services of the Filipino workers whom he said should no longer be called the “new heroes” but just “heroes” as they have long been the heroes of the country.
During the event, the President handed certificates of recognition to Christopher Montero, an engineer in Dubai; Johnna Moncal, a Household Service Worker in Hong Kong; Jasmin Labarda, Ship Captain / Seafarer; and Charm Espinoza, a caregiver in the United Kingdom, for their exemplary performance, recognizing them for their talents and dedication to work worthy of emulation.
Marcos also awarded housing units under the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program, while OFWs or their family representatives who attended the event received P10,000 in cash assistance through the Livelihood Program for OFW while grocery packs were given to 500 beneficiaries extended by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
Before the event, the President opened the One-Stop Overseas Filipino Workers Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFW na Nangangailangan (AKSYON) Center in Makati City which seeks to assist and provide OFWs in southern Metro Manila with the necessary documents and assistance that they need for employment abroad.
The OFW AKSYON Center is the 23rd facility nationwide and the fifth in the National Capital Region.
Marcos said the OFW AKSYON Center is a symbol of the administration’s goal of establishing a Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines).
The AKSYON Center building will also serve as an annex of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) where some of its offices will be transferred from its current headquarters at the Blas F. Ople Building in Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City.
It also houses an OFW café where the Filipino workers could relax and eat while waiting for their transactions.
ONE-STOP CENTER
To streamline services and assistance to all overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) yesterday opened a one-stop center in Makati City.
In a brief ceremony at the DMW Office, the Department launched the “Bagong Pilipinas One-Stop OFW Aksyon Center.”
“The Center centralizes and delivers essential full-cycle support and assistance for all overseas Filipino workers and their families,” said the DMW.
It said the center shall offer services, such as Balik-Mangagawa processing, reintegration support services, legal assistance, and other necessary support for OFWs.
It also brings together other government services, including the Social Security System, Home Development Mutual Fund, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, as well as the Departments of Agriculture, Health, Labor and Employment, Trade and Industry, Tourism, Science and Technology, and Social Welfare and Development.
“The full-cycle support and assistance for OFWs and their families include services beginning from their departure from the country, throughout their overseas employment, all the way to their return and reintegration with their respective families and communities back home,” said DMW.
The Department said the center will also feature the Migrant’s Brew, which is a café offering free coffee and snacks to visiting OFWs and their families.
This is the 23rd Migrant’s Brew branch nationwide after it was introduced by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration in November 2022.
“This reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing client services for OFWs beyond just transactional support,” said the DMW. – With Gerard Naval
