More families joining OFWs abroad — OWWA

There is an "observable" increase in the number of Filipino families joining their relatives who work abroad, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) reported yesterday.

"We have observed a noticeable growth in the number of Filipino families joining the workers abroad," OWWA’s Plans and Program Development Office director Vivian Tornea said.

She pointed out that family members of overseas Filipino workers leave the country because they want to be reunited with their loved ones and at the same time find high-paying jobs.

Tornea also attributed the exodus of Filipino families to advances in technology that allow on-line hiring and direct hiring of Filipino workers from abroad.

With these new developments, Tornea said the OWWA is looking into expanding the government programs that provide protection to Filipino workers and their families, whether or not they are documented.

Tornea said there is a need to expand the programs due to the increasing number of undocumented Filipino workers despite the government’s ongoing efforts to curb illegal migration.

"We have to expand our coverage so we could help those undocumented workers who have no means to enlist themselves with OWWA," she said.

OWWA is also reviewing its membership policy to be able to reach out to other Filipino migrant workers who may need the services of the Philippine government.