'OFW Hotline' signs on

 A memorandum of agreement was signed between the Overseas Workers Welfare (OWWA) and the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the management of IBC dyBQ-Radyo Budyong to enhance the production of the radio program, OFW HOTLINE.
The signatories were Cora Paniergo Robles, dyBQ-Radyo Budyong station manager; Mr. Saul de Vries, Regional Director of OWWA; Regional Officer Rhea Glynda Calantas of POEA and Regional Officer Liza Jane Estalilla of DFA. The MOA signing was held last week at the Hotel del Rio during the Budyong Kapehan program.

OFW HOTLINE was launched by dyBQ-Radyo Budyong (981 kHz) last February 13, 2004.  It is station-produced and aired every Sunday from 1:00-3:00 p.m. in tandem with IBC DYBQ-sister stations, DYJJ in Roxas City and DYRG in Kalibo, Aklan. Program hosts are Joy de Leon, a public relations consultant and columnist of The Guardian, and Rachel Nalangan who teaches maritime students at John B. Lacson Colleges.

The news-magazine format features news about foreign-based workers, global situations; OFW success stories; government programs, aids and assistance. Chikang OFW segment offers free international calls for families who wish to contact their love ones. The ABYAN PINOY portion showcases the singing talents of OFW family members. The lines are also open for greetings and public announcements. This program is sponsored by The Guardian and PLDT Budget Cards.

There are more than eight million Filipino OFWs worldwide as of August 2004, with about two million having immigrant status. Based on an immigration report, 2,300 Filipinos leave the country every day and this figure increases by two percent every year.