Cases involving OFWs unavoidable, says PGMA
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday said problems involving the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) are unavoidable. The important thing is the government is ready to extend help to those overseas workers who are in distress. There are 8 million OFWs working abroad and “are in good condition.”
The President’s statement was meant to ease the pain of the families of Lea Taronas, an OFW from Singapore who was maltreated by her employer. She lost contact with her family for more than a year. With the help of 1st District Congresswoman Janette Garin and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) 6, she has returned home but sick.
The President handed a P50,000 check to Taronas’s husband Daniel and children Hyacinth Lei, Dan Angelo and Ralph Dominic as assistance to the OFW victim. She wanted to personally visit Taronas at the hospital but was prevented by Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.
Arroyo, who spoke in Hiligaynon said “may ara diutay problema” (there is little problem) regarding the OFW’s. What is essential is the government’s response to the need of the workers.
She publicly asked Representative Garin to help Taronas in achieving justice. The President only made a short message for the distressed OFW.
The turn-over of check was among the activities of the President in the town of Guimbal. Purposely, the President was in town for the groundbreaking of the 75-meter Camangahan Bridge. The Camangahan Bridge is the major route leading to the municipality of Tubungan but was totally damaged by Typhoon Frank in 2008. The project cost P60 million.
Lea, 34, of Barangay Igcocolo, Guimbal is suffering from pneumonia tuberculosis and is now admitted at the Westen Visayas Medical Center (WVMC).
Tarona’s husband and children also underwent orientation and counseling after what happened to Lea. The OWWA-6 has extended initial help to assist the needs of Leah’s family.
Lea’s eldest child Hyacinth even prepared a letter asking the President for educational help. The OFW’s husband has no work to support his family. Lea went abroad hoping she could give her family a better life and send her children to school. Her eldest daughter Hyacinth is only 10 years old, Dan Angelo is only six years old and Ralph Dominic is five years old.
On his part, Daniel said he will not allow his wife to go abroad again and he is asking the government to provide them livelihood.