OFWs in Saudi Arabia hopeful about new OWWA chief

While many of them have not quite heard of her, overseas Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia are hopeful new Overseas Workers Welfare Administration head Rebecca Calzado will continue ensuring the welfare of OFWs abroad.

A report on Saudi news site Arab News also said Philippine labor officials expressed confidence in Calzado's capability to run the agency.

“She’s in a position to promote the welfare of OFWs because she has the necessary education, background and experience,” it quoted Philippine Overseas Labor Office in the Eastern Region (POLO-ERO) Labor Attache Alex Padaen.

Arab News noted Calzado, a labor undersecretary, replaced Dimzon after Dimzon reached the mandatory retirement age of 65.

The new OWWA chief was also a deputy executive director at the National Wages and Productivity Commission.

On the other hand, many OFWs in Saudi Arabia said they have not quite heard of her, though they hope she can do her job.

“I don’t know her and I have not heard about her as a labor official so I can neither express optimism nor disappointment regarding her appointment. What I can say is for all OFWs to do our best in our job,” said Riyadh-based community leader Benny Quiambao.

Alkhobar community leader Eduardo Rodriguez added he hopes Calzado's background will help her "do her best for all OFWs.”

Rodriguez also said he hopes Calzado can “make a difference" especially for household service workers (HSW) who run away from their employer.

"Most of them couldn’t afford to buy plane tickets to go back home. OWWA should act on this immediately,” he said.

Rodriguez also said the OWWA should make livelihood programs available for OFWs who return home and set up businesses.

For his part, Buraidah (Qassim) community leader Dionisio Tabuco voiced optimism Calzado can initiate changes in favor of OFWs.

“(W)e’re hoping that she will do her best. Administrator Carmelita Dimzon was good but we hope her replacement will be better,” he said. — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News

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