Makati continues support for OFWs

MAKATI CITY, July 10 (PIA) -- The local government continues its commitment in upholding the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families in the city as it vows full support for the newly established OFW Help Desk at City Hall. In a statement, Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay reiterated the local government’s continuing commitment after he signed a memorandum of agreement with Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) administrator Carmelita S. Dimzon on the establishment of an OFW Help Desk at the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) at the 5th Floor of Makati City Hall. “I remain strongly committed to protecting the rights and welfare of our OFWs, especially since I have seen firsthand the sad plight of some 1,500 OFWs who were stranded at the Haj Terminal of the King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Saudi Arabia last year,” Binay said. The mayor was part of the delegation of Vice President Jejomar C. Binay that went to Saudi Arabia last year to hold dialogs with OFWs and check on their living and working conditions. All 1,500 OFWs stranded at the Saudi airport were granted repatriation by the Saudi government through the efforts of the Vice President. Binay also asked the city council to prioritize the passage of an ordinance enacting the Makati City Overseas Filipino Workers Welfare Program. The ordinance was passed in May 2011 along with the approval of an initial P2 million budget for the provision of financial assistance to OFWs in need. OWWA Administrator Dimzon said they will prioritize capacity building and training of local government personnel that will man the OFW Help Desk, in line with the directive of President Benigno Aquino III to intensify the programs and services for OFWs. Aside from providing office space with internet connection for the OFW Help Desk at Makati PESO, Makati will assign a focal person to man the desk and regularly coordinate with the OWWA. It will also help in providing assistance to OFWs and their families and extend other support services that may be needed by the desk. OWWA will also regularly coordinate with OFW Help Desk officers and the city government through PESO, and conduct orientation activities for them regarding OWWA programs and services. The Help Desk will be provided regularly by the agency with information, education and communication (IEC) materials on OWWA programs and services for distribution to clients who visit the desk. OWWA is the government welfare institution that promotes the interest of member OFWs. With a membership fee of $25, an OFW is entitled to a number of benefits and services, including social benefits, education and training benefits, workers welfare assistance program, repatriation program, and reintegration program. (ICRD/RJB/JCP/PIA NCR)

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