Push for a Department of Overseas Filipino Workers

“THE PRESIDENTIAL Adviser for OFW Concerns should not be a politician, does not have political desires and is willing to help OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) [who are] in need at all times.”

Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. issued this statement when he visited the Bantay OCW program at Radyo Inquirer. The said position was vacated when Vice President Jejomar Binay resigned recently.

In line with this, Marcos revived proposals to create a Department of Overseas Filipino Workers to address the problems of Filipinos working abroad and promote their interests.

He said that it is the right time to create a department in our government that will focus solely on the needs and welfare of OFWs. A department that will make the lives of our OFWs easier instead of giving them burdens before they leave until the moment they come back.

Although there are various government agencies that deal with specific OFW concerns, Marcos said they are loosely coordinated. Often, they issue regulations that make life more difficult for OFWs.

He said, many have suggested which he agreed, that it is time we have a Department of OFWs so we would have a Cabinet secretary who is dedicated to the task of addressing issues of OFWs. Somebody who would coordinate the delivery of services of all these agencies dealing with OFWs, study all the problems of our workers abroad and find solutions to their problems.

A separate department for OFWs is necessary because overseas workers have their own unique concerns that pertain only to their sector. This department should be able to deliver a comprehensive package of services of OFWs before they leave the country, while they are working abroad and when they return.

Marcos also emphasized that we cannot stop our countrymen from working abroad. What he wants is to give them proper training and equip them with additional skills, which can help them land a better job when they work overseas.

Marcos has been helping Bantay OCW Foundation Inc. since the early stages of the foundation and has kept a low profile when it comes to helping out with our OFWs and their families.

“We have been praising OFWs as our modern-day heroes, but more practical measures have to be done to significantly improve the way we take care of them. OFWs should be treated how they deserve to be treated,” Marcos concluded, as he vowed to continue pushing for the creation of an OFW department.

Satellite office

Bantay OCW celebrated its 18th year of service to OFWs and their relatives, as we strengthened our service to the public, in partnership with FPD Global Integrated Services.

You can visit us at our satellite office located at 24H City Hotel, 1406 Vito Cruz Extension, Balagtas Street Makati City. If you need a nice and an affordable place to stay into, please check their website at www.hotel24h.com.ph

We would like to thank FPD Global for providing us a home to serve OFWs the best we can.

(Susan Andes, aka Susan K., can be heard over Radyo Inquirer DzIQ 990 AM, Monday to Friday, 10:30 am-12:00 noon. Audio/video live streaming is at www.ustream.tv/channel/dziq. Website: www.bantayocwfoundation.org. Bantay OCW Foundation satellite office: 3/F 24H City Hotel. 1460 Vito Cruz Extension cor. Balagtas St., Makati City. Helpline: 0927.649.9870. E-mail: [email protected]/[email protected])