Ensuring OFWs' welfare and protection

Anent Mr. William Esposo’s commentary in his column which appeared in the Sept. 9, 2008 issue of the Philippine STAR, we would like to make it clear that Labor Secretary Marianito D. Roque wasn’t bragging when he said that there would be over 200,000 jobs overseas for Filipino workers next year. Mr. Roque, in fact, is a low-key and hardworking bureaucrat known for his self-effacing attitude. He merely stated the projected number of overseas jobs for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) next year in response to a query as a matter of fact and never as something to be bragged about.

We in the DOLE, especially Secretary Roque, acknowledge that the overseas employment program continues to be a stopgap measure against unemployment. Thus, we are exerting all efforts to mitigate the program’s concomitant social costs and maximize its benefits to the OFWs and the economy particularly in job generation and ultimately in poverty alleviation through full employment. The DOLE, in this regard, continuously pursues policies and means aimed at protecting OFWs’ rights and welfare abroad. It, among others, has taken a lead role in international efforts for the protection of migrants while initiating bilateral agreements with several labor receiving countries to ensure the OFWs’ welfare and protection.

At the same time, the Department implements a reintegration program that has become a model among labor sending countries. The program helps OFWs and their families including those still engaged in their jobs abroad acquire the capabilities to set up and operate businesses and livelihood that create jobs, sustain their income and ultimately prevent them from going back to overseas employment. It also provides scholarships to OFWs’ dependents and establishes collaboration with concerned groups that assist OFW families cope with separation and loneliness. — JAY T. JULIAN, Director, Information and Publication Service