Capitol set to establish help desk for OFWs

CEBU, Philippines — A help desk catering to concerns of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) will be established in the Capitol after the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) signed an agreement with the Cebu provincial government yesterday.

The help desk is eyed to be functional before the year ends.  The provincial government is tasked to provide a space within the Capitol premises for the help desk and must provide personnel who will take charge.

DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III and Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III represented the two agencies and signed the memorandum of agreement (MOA) yesterday.

Another key project stipulated in the MOA is the mapping of OFWs: "Coordinate with local governments in establishing a database or a mapping of all OFWs and their families in all barangays, cities, and municipalities," as stated in the agreement.

The MOA also highlights that OWWA will intensify the delivery of their programs and services to OFWs and their families through a network of partners. Moreover, the agency recognizes the critical role of local government units.

In this regard, an OFW Help Desk at Capitol will be established to serve as OWWA's conduit in the swift delivery of programs on education and training, welfare, health care and reintegration for OFWs and their families.

The two government agencies both envision to work together and harness mutual cooperation in the creation of a network of services and support.

DOLE will provide training and self-assistance to OFWs. This will be undertaken in order to help the OFWs maximize their gains from their employment abroad.

DOLE-OWWA and representatives of the provincial government are to meet regularly and coordinate to see to it that the programs and projects are on track.

They are also to undertake joint activities on migration issues and concerns. The parties involved will be sharing the cost for the implementation of the project. (FREEMAN)