Consulate opens add'l counters for HK-based OFWs securing OECs

The Philippine Consulate in Hong Kong promised Filipino workers that it's streamlining the process of acquiring the Overseas Employment Certificates (OECs) to reduce long lines.
Henry Tienero, a labor officer, said multiple counters were opened by the consulate to accommodate more Filipinos.
"Ang magawa ng konsulado para mapabilis ito, regular na natin na counter is tatlo lamang. Ngayon na nag-open tayo ng walong counter para ma-serve natin ang ating mga kababayan," said Tienero in a report on "24 Oras."
"Sana naman yung sistema e mabago, 'di ganito. Ang haba ng pila, nagtitiis ng gutom, ng lamig sa labas," an OFW waiting in line said in the report.
OFWs are required to obtain OECs before departing the Philippines to their employment destination. Those intending to go back to their place of employment after a vacation are also required to obtain the document.
The Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) launched an online system called "Balik-Manggagawa Online" to expedite the process but Filipinos are still required to pay in person to obtain their OECs.
OFWs previously complained about the long lines to acquire their OECs— a document that, according to Migrante Sectoral Party Chairperson Vicky Casia-Cabantac, is used only for income generation by the government. —Rie Takumi/KBK, GMA News

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