Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo hails Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Susan "Toots" Ople for securing one million jobs from Saudi Arabia, calling it a 'ray of hope' for Filipinos.
Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are still grappling with the Kuwait's visa ban.
1M jobs from Saudi is 'ray of hope' for Pinoys amid Kuwait ban--solon
At a glance
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The promise of one million jobs from Saudi Arabia presents "a ray of hope" for Filipinos.
Thus, said Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo as he hailed Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Susan "Toots" Ople for securing the mammoth number of jobs from the oil-rich country.
“While we acknowledge the challenges we face in Kuwait due to the visa ban on Filipinos, this significant opportunity in Saudi Arabia presents a ray of hope for our skilled workers. It is an opportunity for them to showcase their skills and contribute to the growth and development of both countries,” Salo said.
Salo, chairman of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs, was referring to the Kuwaiti government's decision last month to suspend all types of work and entry visas for Filipinos.
"This is a indeed a great news for our nation and our hardworking Filipino workers. The DMW's accomplishment in securing one million jobs in Saudi Arabia is a testament of President [Ferdinand] Bongbong Marcos [Jr.'s] unwavering commitment in uplifting the lives of Filipinos and providing them with better job prospects," he said.
Salo urges the DMW to swiftly prepare the necessary guidelines for the implementation of the Special Hiring Program and ensure that the competencies of the applicants are aligned with the job requirements.
"Time is of the essence, and we must act swiftly to seize this opportunity. The DMW should work hand in hand with all relevant government agencies, including the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), to ensure that our workers are equipped with relevant skills and training,” he emphasized.
Amid this positive development, Salo also reminds everyone to remain vigilant against illegal recruiters who may take advantage of this opportunity.
"Our people must be vigilant against unscrupulous individuals who may exploit their aspirations for a better future. Our prospective migrant workers need to ensure that they only deal with authorized recruiters,” said the veteran solon.