The local government, in cooperation with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), will soon set up an overseas Filipino workers help desk that will give OFWs and their families better access to government services and programs.
In a statement, Makati said that once established, the assistance desk will be located at its Public Employment Service Office (PESO) on the 5th floor of the city hall.
Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay said he will sign a memorandum of agreement on the planned undertaking with OWWA, represented by its administrator, Carmelita S. Dimzon, today, July 9 at 10 a.m. at the Pio del Pilar Conference Room.
“We are proud to be a partner of the OWWA in serving the needs of OFWs and their families, particularly Makati residents. This is a milestone in our continuing mission of bringing government ‘closer to the people’ so that they may obtain the optimum benefits intended for them,” Binay said.
The mayor said the presence of the OFW help desk at the city hall will complement and strengthen the Makati City Overseas Filipino Workers Welfare Program.
Established in May 2011 through City Ordinance No. 2011-021, the program facilitates the grant of financial assistance to OFWs. To date, many repatriated OFWs and their families residing in Makati, including 27 OFWs from then war-torn Libya, have received financial assistance from the local government.
Aside from providing office space with internet connection for the OFW help desk at PESO, Makati will also assign a focal person to man the desk and regularly coordinate with the OWWA. It will also help in providing assistance to OFWs and their families and extend other support services that may be needed by the desk.
OWWA will regularly coordinate with OFW help desk officers and the city government through PESO and conduct orientation activities for them regarding OWWA programs and services. The help desk will be provided regularly by the agency with information, education and communication (IEC) materials on OWWA programs and services for distribution to clients who visit the desk.
Under the agreement, the city government and OWWA will also undertake joint information and educational activities on migration issues and concerns. Strategic action plans for this undertaking will be developed and implemented by a Joint Coordinating Committee composed of representatives from both parties.
The committee will hold regular meetings for coordination and assessment of the project implementation.
The Makati Social Welfare Department, through the OFW Welfare Desk, continues to provide financial assistance to repatriated OFWs who are legitimate residents of the city, as well as livelihood training programs and counselling for their families. (ICRD/RJB/JCP-PIA NCR)
Source: PIA
