The local government of Pasig City and the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the “BaLinkBayan Project,” which aims to strengthen the connection between Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their homeland.
Mayor Vico Sotto and CFO Secretary Romulo Arugay at the MOA signing on Wednesday, October 16. (Photos from Pasig PIO)
The signing was attended by Mayor Vico Sotto, CFO Secretary Romulo Arugay, and other officials at the Pasig City Hall on Wednesday, October 16.
The BaLinkBayan Project is an initiative of the Office of the President (OP), implemented by the CFO in various locations across the country. Pasig City is the 57th local government unit (LGU) and the second in Metro Manila to join the program.
Under the project, the city will have a “One-Stop Online Portal,” which will allow OFWs to access and invest in businesses as well as donate and volunteer for charities, foundations, and scholarship programs in the city.
They can also avail themselves of government services, such as SSS, PhilHealth, and the PAGIBIG Fund, without needing to return to the Philippines, as these services will be available online.
Arugay expressed gratitude to Pasig City for warmly welcoming the BaLinkBayan Project, saying that this is a testament to the government's aim to expand its programs and services, especially for fellow citizens abroad.
Sotto also thanked the national government, particularly the CFO, for sharing their program with the city, adding that the project is a significant help for OFWs, whether Pasigueños or from other cities.
As part of the partnership, a data gathering workshop and website management training will be conducted for the employees of the city government in preparation for the program's implementation.
The CFO also turned over the official BaLinkBayan website of Pasig and an all-in-one desktop computer that will be used for data gathering and website management.
Meanwhile, the local government said that it will continue to coordinate with the CFO to ensure the smooth implementation of the program in the city.