LOOK: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) together with its social partners and the local government units in Palawan converge to intenstify the fight against illegal recruitment and human trafficking, during a ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, November 28, 2023.
Undersecretary Bernard P. Olalia, together with Palawan Provincial Governor Victorino Dennis Socrates and Puerto Princesa City Mayor Lucilo Bayron lead the signing of the MOA that aims to empower OFWs against illegal recruitment and promote the OFWs’ rights and welfare in the whole process of their labor migration journey.
The agreement was signed by the Mayors of the municipalities of Aborlan, Agutaya, Araceli, Balabac, Brookes Point, Cagayancillo, El Nido, Kalayaan, Quezon, Rizal, San Vicente, Magsaysay, Cuyo, Dumaraan, Sofronio Espanola, and Taytay; and the City and Provincial PESO of Puerto Princesa.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is intensifying its efforts to combat illegal recruitment and human trafficking through collaborative initiatives with local government units (LGUs) in Palawan Province. Here is a summary of the key developments:
Partnership and Collaboration:
The DMW, through its Migrant Workers Protection Bureau (MWPB) and Regional Office MIMAROPA, has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Provincial Government of Palawan, encompassing its 16 municipalities and the City of Puerto Princesa. This partnership aims to enhance the protection mechanisms for aspiring Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) against illegal recruiters and syndicates.
Pre-Employment Orientation Seminars (PEOS):
Comprehensive pre-employment orientation seminars will be conducted to empower and inform OFWs about the potential benefits, risks, and legal avenues associated with overseas employment. These seminars serve as a vital tool in equipping OFWs with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions and avoid falling victim to illegal recruitment practices.
Establishment of OFW Help Desks:
The MOA provides for the establishment of OFW Help Desks in all participating municipalities, ensuring immediate access to repatriation and legal assistance for OFWs and their families, thereby fostering a supportive and responsive environment for migrant workers.
Reintegration Support:
The DMW, in collaboration with the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), is committed to providing comprehensive reintegration interventions and support to OFWs and their families. These initiatives encompass livelihood assistance and skills enhancement training, empowering OFWs to explore alternative employment opportunities within the Philippines if they opt to discontinue overseas employment.
Participating LGUs:
The MOA encompasses 16 municipalities in Palawan, namely Aborlan, Agutaya, Araceli, Balabac, Brookes Point, Cagayancillo, El Nido, Kalayaan, Quezon, Rizal, San Vicente, Magsaysay, Cuyo, Dumaraan, Sofronio Espanola, and Taytay, in addition to the City of Puerto Princesa and the Provincial Government of Palawan, reflecting a collective and concerted effort to uphold the rights and welfare of migrant workers.
Commitment to Protection:
The collaborative endeavor between the DMW and LGUs in Palawan exemplifies a robust commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of migrant workers, fostering an environment that promotes informed and secure participation in overseas employment while providing avenues for support and assistance.
In summary, the partnership between the DMW and LGUs in Palawan signifies a pivotal step in enhancing the protection mechanisms for OFWs, facilitating informed decision-making, and promoting comprehensive reintegration support, thereby reinforcing the commitment to combat illegal recruitment and uphold the dignity and welfare of migrant workers.