In Malaysia, PH Embassy reports no case of sexual harrasment, but Post and POLO take steps to protect OFWs


In Malaysia, PH Embassy reports no case of sexual harrasment, but Post and POLO take steps to protect OFWs Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz ,  cited a report of the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, saying there has been no reported cases of sexual harassment against OFWs since the assumption of Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia J. Eduardo Malaya, but nevertheless, the Post and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) have together taken measures to protect OFWs from possible sexual harassment. "The Filipino Workers Resource Center, or Bahay Kalinga, in Kuala Lumpur, which is under the operational supervision of the POLO, adopts the policy that only female OFWs in distress are admitted to ensure their protection and avoid even rumors of sexual harassment," said Baldoz, quoting the report. "For male OFWs in distress, they are sheltered at the Philippine Embassy, which is far and separate from the Bahay Kalinga," she added. Baldoz also said that in accordance with established rules and regulations, OFWs at the Bahay Kalinga are not asked to do personal errands or household work and that all OFWs sheltered there are accounted for at all times. The report of the Post said Embassy personnel consciously work for the speedy repatriation of distressed OFWs, including illegal migrants or workers. It said that at least once a week, personnel of the Post's Assistance to Nationals (ATNs), POLO, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development's social welfare attache accompany OFWs to the Malaysian government's Immigration Department. The POLO in Kuala Lumpur, in coordination with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, conducts regular counseling sessions at the Bahay Kalinga to make the distressed OFWs aware of their rights and to provide them a venue to air their grievance. These counseling sessions are also conducted at the Philippine Embassy for distressed male OFWs who are sheltered there. The POLO also conducts skills and livelihood training at the Bahay Kalinga, not only to prepare the OFWs for their return to the Philippines, but also to take their minds away from mundane concerns. "I am happy to note that the POLO is already implementing some of the reform measures I have directed to further enhance and strengthen the operations of the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) and its Bahay Kalinga," Baldoz observed. Last week, the labor and employment chief issued Administrative Order No. 262, Series of 2013, implementing new and reinforced measures to be observed in the Bahay Kalinga, saying that together with the POLOs, it should reflect the ideal standards of how Filipino migrant workers should be treated, served, and cared for. "These places are the closest that each OFW can call home and, therefore, should feel really like home for them. At the same time, POLO officers and staff must continue to observe the highest form of professionalism in their conduct in the administration and operation of the Bahay Kalinga,” Baldoz said.

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