The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has signed an agreement with 16 local government units (LGUs) in Palawan for the conduct of pre-employment orientation seminars (PEOS) for aspiring overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the province.
DMW said Undersecretary Bernard P. Olalia said the move is part of the efforts of the department to combat illegal recruitment and human trafficking by empowering and protecting OFWs from unscrupulous recruiters and syndicates.
"This convergence partnership is a shared initiative of the national and local government to empower prospective and current OFWs and their families and safeguard their welfare at the very start of their overseas employment journey," said Olalia.
The 16 LGUs in Palawan that have signed the agreement with the DMW include the municipalities of Agutaya, Araceli, Balabac, Brookes Point, Cagayancillo, El Nido, Kalayaan, Quezon, Rizal, San Vicente, Magsaysay, Cuyo, Dumaraan, Sofronio Espanola, and Taytay; and the City of Puerto Princesa.
Based on the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), DMW will conduct public information drives and workers education sessions on overseas employment that covers potential benefits, potential risks, and legal channels for working abroad to avoid illegal recruitment.
The MOA would also pave the way for the establishment of an OFW Help Desk in all signatory municipalities to ensure the immediate provision of repatriation and legal assistance to OFWs and their families.
The agreement would also include reintegration and intervention programs with the help of the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
“These reintegration interventions include livelihood assistance and skills enhancement trainings for OFWs, enabling them to explore other employment opportunities if they choose to continue their labor journey in the Philippines,” said Olalia.
“This collaborative effort between the DMW and LGUs demonstrates a strong commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of migrant workers, ensuring their safe and informed participation in overseas employment,” he added.