Migrante Int’l to Silvestre: Support Creation of DOFW

Image Caption: Overseas Filipino workers (Manila Bulletin File Photo)

By Chito Chavez

A global group of Filipino workers — in order to alleviate the plight of its distressed members — appealed to Labor Secretary Silvestre “Bebot” Bello to support the creation of the Department of Overseas Filipino Workers (DOFW) which President Duterte had previously endorsed under certain conditions.

Migrante International said the abuses committed against the Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have become very alarming citing that the establishment of a department that would exclusively focus on the OFWs may be a major breakthrough to protect their rights and welfare.

However, Arman Hernando, spokesperson of the Migrante International, said that if a DOFW is to be established, it is imperative that the Duterte administration first thoroughly investigate how current concerned agencies, as well as existing laws and policies, benefited or failed our OFWs and their families.

He noted that the creation of a DOFW should not work to merely further institutionalize labor export, but instead address the decades-long clamor of OFWs and their families.

During his recent state visit to Middle East countries, Duterte disclosed his resolve to establish DOFW.

Under the plan, all government agencies like the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) working on the plight of the OFWs will be put together under DOFW.

(Source: MB.com.ph)