Firm partners with POEA for clearance processing

Rural Net Incorporated, with its main objective of becoming a “nationwide network,” forges partnership with the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency which allows this company to accept collections for and process Balik Manggagawa Exit Clearances.

A travel exit clearance is issued by the POEA to Overseas Filipino Workers who leave the country for employment purposes.

RuralNet’s primary goal is to empower the countryside by providing a platform which will allow the rural communities direct access to products and services normally available only in the cities. To achieve this, RuralNet, as one of its services, will forge partnerships with best-of-breed government and commercial service providers interested in extending services to the rural areas.

To avail of the company’s service, a Balik Manggagawa OFW will present his/her documents, pay his/her exit clearance fees, and receive his/her clearance at the Rural Bank.

Evelia Durato, officer-in-charge of the POEA, disclosed that there is a significant 7.6 percent increase in the deployment of professional OFWs from Central Visayas everyday.

Since January to June this year, around 15,000 OFWs have registered for abroad with more land-based work over sea-based work.

RuralNet is an Information Technology company of the Arcenas Group of Companies. Related Cebu-based companies include the Sugbuanon Rural Bank, which is one of the country’s oldest rural banks.

RuralNet member banks where OFWs can transact their exit clearances are located along Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City; A.C. Cortes Avenue, Mandaue City; Poblacion, Minglanilla; Dr. Ramon Arcenas Street, Bantayan; Sor D. Rubio St., Bogo City; Sta. Cruz, Balamban; and Poblacion, Pinamungajan.

Meanwhile, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, with its function to protect the interest and promote the welfare of OFWs in recognition of their valuable contribution to the overall development effort, carries out a “Search for Model OFW of 2008.”

The four criteria involve wholesome OFW family (constant communication, sharing of responsibility between the OFW and his/her family, and psycho-social maturity among the children); civic and community involvement both of the family and the OFW; success in their respective education; and success in family finances wherein the goal of going overseas is attained.

Requirements include photocopy of passport pages, complete filled-up OFW information sheet, reentry visa/work permit or equivalent documents, previous OEC/E-receipt, employment contract, proof of employment, OFW e-card (if available), photocopies of previous paid official receipts, completely filled-up M1B, and PhilHealth form. Payment amounts to P2,650.

For nomination and other inquiries about the Model OFW Award 2008, contact 254-3119, 253-0305, or 412-9712. — Niña Chrismae G. Sumacot/MEEV