DOLE 6 releases project funds to Overseas Family Circle beneficiaries
Secretary Arturo Brion turns over the project.
More than fifty (50) beneficiaries of overseas Filipino workers representing seven (7) associations of OFWs in Panay received their respective funds during the Regional Conference on the Reintegration Program for Overseas Family Circles (OFCs) with Approved Projects at Sampaguita Garden Resort, New Washington, Aklan, on March 1
These funds which are administered by the DOLE RO6 and OWWA 6 will be used for the initial implementation of OFC associations' livelihood projects.
DOLE Secretary Arturo D. Brion who personally handed over the funds to the representatives of the associations of OFCs, in his message, said that the welfare of migrant workers is being attended to by the Labor Department .
"Ang atin pong pangunahing patakaran ay pangalagaan at tulungan ang ating mga kababayan na may gustong pumunta at magtrabaho sa ibang bansa. At ang ating pangangalaga ay nagsisimula bago sila umalis ng Pilipinas hanggang sila'y makabalik na sa bansa," he said
DOLE now requires OFWs to bring their family members during the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS), where they are encouraged to plan for their eventual return to the country.
"Dapat pong maiintindihan ng manggagawa at ng kanyang pamilya kung ano ang kanilang hinaharap pag-alis ng asawang babae o asawang lalaki dahil sa tagal ng paghihiwalay ng mag-asawa. At yan ay mapaghandaan kung kasama sa kanilang pagpaplano kung ano ang gagawin sa kabuhayan at kung paano mag-iimpok," he added.
OFWs endure being away from their families such that the Department, through the OWWA and the Labor Attaché Corps, helps assuage the psychosocial pressures and attends to other problems while they continue to work and earn enough for their families back home.
On the other hand, many returning OFWs find it difficult to return for good because of lack of opportunities and savings to start life anew.
A total of Php780,000.00 went to seven OFC-associations for use in skills training using the training-cum production scheme. Some of their projects include, Bangus Processing, Peanut Butter Making, Longganisa Manufacturing, and ladies accessories, among others.
For her part, Regional Director Aida M. Estabillo exhorted the beneficiaries to work hand in hand with the provincial staff and the OWWA technical staff under James Mendiola, OWWA 6 head, in order that the livelihood projects would prosper.
The livelihood funding is part of the DOLE's National Reintegration Center for Overseas Filipino Workers (NRCO), a one-stop shop for all reintegration programs and services of the government.