REPORT ON WORKSHOPS

1. Migrants Rights Defense and Education ( Fr. Graziano Battistella – SIMI)
2. Philippine GO’s Commitment for the OFWs’ Welfare ( Ms. Cynthia Ceradilla – OWWA)
3. Gender Dimensions of Philippine Labor Migration ( Ms. Edna Aquino – CF)
4. Unauthorized Migration and Trafficking ( Atty. Viveca Catalig – POEA)
5. Emerging Trends of Labor Migration in the Global Market ( Prof. Stella Go – DLSU)
6. Migration and Integration Policies of the Receiving Countries ( Usec. Jose Brillantes – DFA)
7. OFWs and Overseas Filipinos as Political Actors (Absentee Voting Law) ( Ms. Catherine Maceda – DFA)
8. Dual Citizenship ( Mr. Jose Apolinario L. Lozada, Jr. – RCBC)
9. Reintegration Programs ( Fr. Edwin Corros – CBCP-ECMI)
10. Transnational Linkages: Good Practices and Solidarity Projects ( Ms. Regina Galias – CFO)
11. Filipino Migrants and Transnationals as Culture Bearers ( Ms. Julia Constante – NCCA)
12. Social Costs of Migration ( Dr. Maruja M.B. Asis - SMC)

Philippine GO’s Commitments for OFWs Welfare

The resource person for the workshop on the Philippine GO’s commitment for OFWs welfare was Ms. Cynthia Ceradilla, a representative of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). In the span of the discussion, the group was able to identify several problems and recommendations to address these problems.

Problems

Repatriation was established as one of the problems of OFWs. Returnees find it difficult to stay and make a living in the country due to the lack of repatriation programs by the government. OFWs are regarded as heroes of the country only when they are abroad and neglected when they return.

There is a lack of information or knowledge by OFWs and families left behind on OFW rights and privileges, programs and services of migrant related organizations or agencies and how to access them. There is no proper orientation on the benefits as an OWWA member and the link between OWWA and PhilHealth is not clear.

Problems on illegal recruitment and undocumented workers are concerns not just of migrants but of the government and civil society as well.

Violation of rights as experienced by our brothers and sisters in the receiving countries were discussed. Non-payment of salaries, illegal dismissal and block listing are just a few examples of these violations.

Part of the problem concerning OFWs, here and on the job site, and their families left behind is the inability of OWWA or other government organizations responsible to respond to their needs and/or problems presented to them.

Red tape was also identified.

The Omnibus Policies was a concern expressed by the group.

The current Pre-departure Orientation Seminar’s timing, content and manner of delivery need improvement to serve the OFWs and their families more.

Recommendations

Government agencies must conduct more aggressive, in-depth and innovative dissemination on the rights and privileges of OFWs and the families they leave behind, maximizing the tri-media, schools, churches, local government units (LGUs) and non- government organizations (NGOs).

Government agencies should also have a more collaborative and coordinated action for a more efficient implementation of its programs and services both here and on the job sites.

Congress should prioritize the review of RA8042 and enact the laws that will address issues and concerns on pre-employment, during employment and post-employment.