Province mulling OFW kin registry

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Province is exploring the creation of a registry or similar system that would allow authorities to identify and check on the families of Cebuano overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) during disasters and other emergencies.

Governor Pamela Baricuatro raised the proposal during her visit to the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong last Monday, September 21, where the Cebu delegation met with Philippine Consul General Romulo Victor Manzano Israel Jr. and other officials.

The proposed mechanism is intended to help the Cebu Provincial Government respond more quickly to concerns of Cebuano OFWs who may lose contact with their families in Cebu when typhoons, earthquakes, floods, or other emergencies disrupt communication lines.

Baricuatro said having a workable system could allow the Provincial Government, through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, to identify families who may need to be checked on instead of waiting for individual requests to pass through different channels.

The system would allow authorities to determine the families or next of kin of Cebuano OFWs in the province and facilitate checks on their welfare during emergencies.

The proposal also seeks to address one of the major concerns of OFWs during disasters --the uncertainty over the safety of their families back home, particularly when they are unable to establish communication.

The arrangement could also work in the opposite direction, allowing authorities to connect with the families of Cebuano OFWs should an emergency involving the workers occur overseas.

Officials, however, will still have to determine the most practical arrangement for the proposed system, including safeguards for personal information.

OWWA officials said they will explore ways to support the proposal as the provincial government and concerned agencies continue discussions on its implementation.

Other areas discussed during Baricuatro's meeting with Philippine officials in Hong Kong also covered support for Cebuano OFWs, assistance for returning workers, tourism promotion, and opportunities that could contribute to Cebu's economy.

Also present during the meeting were Consul Von Ryan Ferrera, Vice Consul Allan Revote, Labor Attaché Cesar Chavez Jr., DTI Vice Consul Eric Elnar, and OWWA Welfare Officer Marilou Sumalinog.

The meeting also tackled closer coordination between the provincial government, the Philippine Consulate, OWWA, and labor officials for Cebuano workers who are repatriated from overseas.

Baricuatro proposed strengthening the referral of repatriated Cebuano workers to the provincial government so they can be connected with employment and livelihood opportunities and other assistance available in Cebu.

Beyond OFW concerns, the Cebu delegation and Philippine officials also discussed tourism and Cebu's economy.

This includes possible efforts to promote the province to the Hong Kong market and explore opportunities that could generate greater economic activity in Cebu. — (FREEMAN)