49 distressed OFWs arrive on DMW’s 2nd anniversary
The 14th batch of repatriates comprising 21 caregivers from Israel also arrived at NAIA Terminal 1 on Friday.
Daily TribuneThe 14th batch of repatriates comprising 21 caregivers from Israel also arrived at NAIA Terminal 1 on Friday.
The Department of Migrant Workers celebrated its second anniversary on Saturday, welcoming overseas Filipino workers returning home for the New Year holiday, distressed OFWs from Israel and Saudi Arabia.
A total of 49 distressed OFWs and two children arrived from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, via Philippine Airlines flight PR655. They were given P50,000 each by the DMW and OWWA, while OWWA shouldered their overnight hotel accommodations and transportation to their respective provinces.
The 14th batch of repatriates from Israel, comprising 21 caregivers, arrived at NAIA Terminal 1 via PAL 737 at 11:15 p.m. on Friday. The DMW also provided immediate financial assistance of P50,000 to each OFW and comprehensive reintegration assistance and job facilitation services for other employment opportunities.
Aside from the financial assistance, each OFW also received P50,000 from OWWA, P20,000 in livelihood assistance from DSWD, P5,000 from TESDA, and welcome gift packs.
DMW Officer-in-Charge Hans Leo Cacdac, Undersecretary Bernard Olalia, Assistant Secretaries Violeta Illescas and Jerome Pampolina, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Deputy Administrator Honey Quiño, and other officials received the OFWs.
Addressing abuse of OFWs
To address the abuse of Filipino workers, DMW Undersecretary Bernard Olalia reported during the DMW Yearend News Conference on Friday that the agency has established a framework promoting the welfare of OFWs in Saudi Arabia.
"In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, labor reform initiatives aimed at bolstering worker protection and welfare were spearheaded by our former Secretary Toots Ople. Undersecretary Caunan and I traveled to Saudi Arabia and established a framework to advocate for fair and ethical recruitment. This framework, known as the white-listing framework, was put into place by us. In conjunction with the white-list framework, we also developed a black-list framework that welcomes the participation of employers, agencies, and local recruitment agencies who are qualified, competent, and committed to complying with our ethical guidelines," Olalia said.
He added: "It is important to note that this is a collaborative effort between the KSA and the Philippines. It has been recognized, and we are currently in the process of implementation, resulting in positive outcomes evident in the welfare statistics in KSA."
In strengthening ties, Cacdac said, the DMW is working with the KSA to create more job opportunities for Filipinos, aligning with Saudi Arabia's 2030 economic vision.
"We are anticipating an improved economic climate for 2024. This year, our expectations are higher for openings, especially as we focus on Saudi Arabia, where major development projects align with their vision for 2030. This aligns with our search for the United Arab Emirates, which foresees economic development plans," he said.
EO for OFW inclusivity
Meanwhile, the DMW welcomed the signing of Executive Order No. 51 by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday, titled "Strengthening the Government's Diversity and Inclusion Program."
Cacdac stressed the importance of its implementation for ensuring Filipino inclusivity regardless of background.
"At the core of the department's mandate is the protection and promotion of the welfare of overseas Filipinos. We recognize that diversity and inclusion are essential principles for ensuring that every Filipino can thrive regardless of background, experience, or circumstance. This includes our migrant workers, who make invaluable contributions to the Philippine economy and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect in their workplaces abroad," he said.
The initiatives for strengthening the Diversity and Inclusion Program, restructuring the Inter-Agency Committee on Diversity and Inclusion, and establishing the Special Committee on Lesbian Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual Affairs are outlined in the five-page executive order signed by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin on 22 December.
President Marcos acknowledged the importance of reinforcing the DIP and restructuring its Inter-Agency Committee to ensure the country's ongoing compliance with its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The DMW said the executive order aligns with the department's vision of an inclusive Philippine society.
"Executive Order 51 aligns with the department's vision of a truly inclusive Philippine society, where migrant workers are not only valued for their remittances but also recognized as integral members of our national identity and partners in shaping our nation's destiny. The order's emphasis on accessibility, cultural sensitivity, and equal opportunity resonates with our efforts to empower our migrant workers and equip them with the skills and resources they need to succeed in their chosen fields throughout their labor journey," it added.