Comment from government agencies sought for city's OFW ordinance

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu City Council’s Committee on Laws, Ordinances, and Styling has referred to four government agencies for comments, suggestions, and recommendations the proposed ordinance providing for coordinated quality services for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) of the city.

The committee headed by Councilor Raymond Alvin Garcia said it is best that the city listens to what the local or regional offices of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) have to say.

This is because the committee’s comments and observations are limited only to the proposal’s its legal aspect.

“As to issues on practicality, applicability, and the finer details, we find it to be most prudent to refer this ordinance for comment agencies it seeks to establish coordination with,” the committee said.

The proposed ordinance is authored by Councilor Alvin Dizon. It seeks to provide for coordinated quality services for OFWs of Cebu City through the creation of a help desk and coordinating body.

As far as Garcia’s committee is concerned, Dizon’s proposal has no legal impediments.

“This Committee is aware of the plight of our overseas workers, mostly women, who face discrimination, exploitation, and even abuse, while overseas. Thus, when the proposed ordinance is considered vis-a-vis the General Welfare Clause of the Local Government Code, it would appear to be within the authority of the Sanggunian to enact and appears to suffer no legal impediment,” the committee’s report reads.

The comments from the government agencies will help avoid any overlap or redundancies, if any, and may even further enhance the effectivity of the proposed ordinance.

Section 5 of the proposed ordinance states the Department of Manpower Development and Placement (DMDP) shall be the office responsible for managing the day-to-day activities of the OFW Desk.

As provided in the proposes measure, every 18th of December, the city government, with the participation of the barangays, national and local government departments and agencies, the academe, non-government organizations, private sector, among others, shall observe the International Migrants Day.

This is to raise awareness about the complexities and challenges of global migration and to constantly reaffirm the city’s commitment to safe and dignified migration for all especially at this time of pandemic when the plight of migrants has been brought at the forefront. —JMO (FREEMAN)