THE House of Representatives’ Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs has committed ‘exhaustive deliberations’ on national policies and pieces of legislation involving the reintegration of returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to make sure they get the benefits they deserve as “modern day heroes.”
OFW party-list Rep. Marissa Magsino, a member of the committee, revealed this after the panel chaired by Rep. Ron Salo of Kabayan party-list decided to conduct public consultations and hearings on measures supporting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s programs for OFWs. “We have receive a marching order from Speaker Martin Romualdez to ensure the welfare of returning OFWs to our country, specifically to assist them in finding jobs and livelihood opportunities,” Magsino said.
“As modern day heroes, they deserve nothing less than the full support of a country that gained a lot from their remittances. They are a powerful force in our economic recovery, especially during the
pandemic. Their contributions kept us afloat through the economic contraction during the pandemic and, now, as we try to bounce back,” Magsino added.
Magsino, an assistant minority leader, underscored the need for comprehensive public consultations to gather input and insights from various stakeholders and develop robust plans and policies to better
serve OFWs who play a vital role in the country’s growth and development.
“We thank the OFWs for their significant contributions in propelling the economy and strengthening the relationship of the Philippines with other nations around the world,” Magsino expressed.
“We will be asking the private sector to coordinate job vacancies with the concerned government agencies like the Department of Migrant Workers so that we can directly refer returning OFWs whose skills match with vacant positions,” she said.
Magsino said Romualdez also directed the committee to address the plight of returning OFWs fleeing the Israel-Hamas conflict, as well as other problems and challenges confronting them.
According to Magsino, the Speaker underscored that the effective reintegration of returning OFWs is among the aspirations of President Marcos and his administration.
“We have to take the initiative and focus on a multi-faceted approach to address the encompassing various areas of concern of our OFWs, including strengthening their labor rights and welfare programs by ensuring that they are protected and treated fairly in their host countries,” she noted.
“It is very important to raise their awareness of their rights, to let them know they have access to legal assistance and that they can have improved working conditions. We also have to work hard on OFWs’ education and skills development to enhance their employability and career prospects abroad and upon their return to the country,” Magsino stated.
She added the committee will look into ways to strengthen the mental health of OFWs and their families because of the emotional toll of separation, such as providing them with enhanced counselling services.
“OFWs and their families must be given access to resources and training to improve financial literacy and make informed decisions about remittances and investments, as well as healthcare and well-being by giving them access to affordable health services,” Magsino said.
“These measures are our initial response to the sacrifices and challenges that OFWs face in pursuit of better opportunities. The Marcos administration and the House leadership under Speaker Romualdez
are doing everything to address their plight and ensure their well-being,” she said.
“We will tap and coordinate with all stakeholders and partners to improve the lives of our OFWs and better serve them.”