Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Chief Arnell Ignacio on Friday said the agency has not observed widespread concern from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) regarding calls for a “zero remittance” protest.
The OWWA Administrator said that during his recent interactions with OFWs, including a group of 206 repatriated individuals who were victims of trafficking, the protest issue was not raised.
“Actually, when I speak with them, like last night with the group we brought home, this matter doesn’t come up… If it does, we advise them to think carefully about what is best for them. But overall, it’s not something they have mentioned,” Ignacio said in a press briefing.
Ignacio also noted his recent visits to Singapore and Thailand, reiterating that OFWs he encountered did not discuss the protest during their conversations.
The proposed zero remittance day is a form of protest where OFWs would withhold sending money to the Philippines to express dissatisfaction over government policies.
When asked whether OWWA plans to initiate discussions with OFWs on the matter, Ignacio clarified the agency refrains from encouraging or opening dialogue about the protest. Instead, it remains focused on addressing the immediate needs of OFWs.
“When they see me, they usually think about how we can help them with scholarships or bring them home if needed… Our conversations often turn light-hearted, and many OFWs see us as friends because of the years we’ve spent working together,” Ignacio said.