The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said it has coordinated with the local government of Muntinlupa City for the possible revival of an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) "help desk" in the city to address the concerns of Filipino migrant workers and their families.
OWWA National Capital Region (NCR) Director Ma. Teresa B. Capa met with Muntinlupa City Mayor Rozzano Rufino "Ruffy" Biazon last Wednesday, Sept. 28, to tackle issues concerning OFWs.
One of the topics raised during the discussion was the renewal of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for re-establishing the OFW help desk between OWWA and the city government.
Capa said OWWA Administrator Arnell Ignacio directed all regional welfare offices to establish further coordination with the local government units (LGUs) in promoting the rights and welfare of OFWs.
“The renewal of MOA with the City of Muntinlupa aims to build stronger connections and to deliver OWWA programs and services FAST to the OFWs and their families in the local community according to the policy directions of our new OWWA Administrator Arnaldo 'Arnell' A. Ignacio,” said Capa in a statement.
The OWWA and Muntinlupa LGU, under the leadership of then Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, signed a memorandum of agreement with labor executives in 2020 to launch the anti-illegal recruitment campaign by establishing the OFW help desk.
The creation of the help desk was formulated in partnership with the OWWA, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
It aims to reintegrate overseas employment programs in the city and ensure the protection of OFWs and their families.
It is also warranted to boost information campaigns on the potential and risks of overseas employment, job creation, and other relevant information concerning the promotion of the rights and welfare of migrant workers.