OFW economic council formed to assist Ilonggos working abroad
Ilonggo overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) can now seek assistance from the Overseas Filipino Economic Council of Iloilo City, created to look after their concerns.
Created through City Ordinance Number 2005-111, the council is composed of representatives from various government agencies and chaired by Mayor Jerry Treñas and co-chaired by the chairman of the Committee on Labor and Employment, Manpower Development and Placement of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
The council is mandated to look after the labor and employment concerns of OFWs who hail from Iloilo City.
Incumbent councilor Jed Patrick Mabilog, a proponent of the ordinance creating the council, said all the OFWs' concerns and problems may well be addressed and resolved by the local government units' active participation and coordination.
Mabilog said the Iloilo City Government recognizes the economic potential of OFWs, thus the creation of the said council, that will encourage and protect economic activities of Iloilo City OFWs and their families.
It is estimated that there are 10,000 OFWs who hail from Iloilo City.
With the council, it is expected that there will be proper documentation of Ilonggo OFWs and their families.
Also, through the council, returning OFWs will be provided with skills training and enterpreneurship to enhance employee capability and economic empowerment.
The council can also help returning OFWs identify viable business opportunities in the city and facilitate their linkage to investment opportunities.
(PNA)