DAVAO CITY – A Davao City councilor called for stronger protection and more accessible support services for overseas Filipino workers as the City Council commemorated National Migrant Workers' Day during its 23rd regular session on Wednesday, June 10.

In a privilege speech, Councilor Rachel Zozobrado, chairwoman of the Committee on Migrant Workers, said the event should go beyond ceremonies and appreciation messages and focus on the real challenges faced by many OFWs and aspiring migrant workers.

While many Filipinos abroad have become symbols of sacrifice and perseverance, Zozobrado noted that working overseas often comes with loneliness, uncertainty, family separation, and economic pressure.

Zozobrado said Filipino migrant workers continue to make valuable contributions worldwide as nurses, caregivers, engineers, seafarers, domestic workers, teachers, technicians, hospitality workers, and other professionals.

"The OFWs' skills, work ethic, and dedication have earned respect in many countries while also helping sustain families and support the Philippine economy through remittances," the councilor added.

She raised concerns over illegal recruitment, noting that some workers still fall victim to fake job offers, high fees, contract substitution, delayed wages, other forms of abuse, and limited access to legal help in host countries.

"Even for those who succeed abroad, the emotional burden of being away from loved ones remains a continuing challenge, especially for children who grow up with one or both parents working overseas," Zozobrado said.

She said local governments have a meaningful role to play in migrant protection and cited the city's coordination with the Department of Migrant Workers, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and the City Social Welfare and Development offices.

Measures under consideration include barangay-based pre-employment orientation seminars to provide aspiring OFWs with the necessary information before working abroad, as well as laws to combat illegal recruitment and improve their protection.

Zozobrado said the city is studying initiatives that would bring OFW assistance closer to communities, including the possible establishment of OFW help desks on the barangay level to improve access and support services.

These, the councilor added, may appear modest compared with the scale of migration, but they are intended to make protection more informed, accessible, and responsive to the needs of overseas workers.

Calling OFWs modern-day heroes, Zozobrado said true gratitude is not shown through words alone but through how well the government protects their rights, supports their families, and ensures migration is a choice, not a necessity.

Zozobrado thanked all OFWs, particularly Davaoeñoes working in different parts of the world, for their courage, perseverance, and dedication, and urged institutions to uphold their welfare and ensure they are not left behind.