Jinggoy welcomes DMW's hassle-free app for OFWs, wants full interoperability of gov't systems, digital payments
Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has called for the enactment of bills that would establish full interoperability of all government systems and services in the country. Estrada made the call in response to the Department of Migrant Workers’ (DMW) introduction of a hassle-free mobile app for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), which will make the issuance of Overseas Employment Certificates (OEC) free of charge. “These bold and innovative steps mark a significant milestone in ensuring the welfare and well-being of our modern-day heroes,” Estrada said in a statement. “By eliminating unnecessary fees in issuing OECs, we’re showing them the respect and appreciation they deserve. I’m hoping we could sustain and build on the digital transformation of government operations and processes to increase efficiency, productivity, and transparency,” the senator said. The chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor and Employment has been pushing for the establishment of an e-Government Master Plan and the institutionalization of a national policy on the adoption of ditigal payments for government disbursements and collection, under Senate Bill No. 455. Estrada also filed Senate Bill No. 803 or the propsoed “Use of Digital Payments Act” which seeks to enhance and expedite the distribution of financial aid to the most vulnerable sectors especially during times of emergency. "Through a user-friendly app, such as a dedicated app for the issuance of OECs, we can save time and resources for both the government and our OFWs while providing accessible and responsive services to our hardworking OFWs,” the senator stressed. Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople had also assured that the agency will soon launch the “OFW Pass” app that can also be downloaded on mobile phones. This app, Ople said, will help spare OFWs from long lines to secure their OEC.