FMJ wants faster services for OFWs
By Nidz Godino
"This agency will serve as refuge for our countrymen in the middle of world filled with uncertainty and stiff competition…provide them opportunities, will ensure that their jobs fit their qualifications, that they receive adequate pay and proper treatment in their companies, and will take care of the families they left behind," President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in his first State of the Nation Address "we shall automate verification of contracts and issue secure Overseas Employment Certifications (OEC) that you can keep on your smartphone… I call on the Department of Migrant Workers and DICT to make this a top priority."
The OEC, also known as exit clearance or pass, is document certifying regularity of recruitment and documentation of an OFW and proof of his or her registration with Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).
President Marcos administration will shorten hiring process for OFWs from three months to three weeks, and will compress OFW handbook from 240 sections to pamphlet with no more than 100 pages.
"Life is difficult, so we will not make it harder for our overseas workers who just want to achieve their dreams," the President stressed.
The President announced creation of One Repatriation Command Center (ORCC) to help overseas Filipinos who are in danger or who were abused.
Distressed OFWs or their immediate families may call the ORCC hotline "1-348."
The command center, which operates 24/7, can accommodate calls and walk-ins on weekdays.
Requests can be made through 1-348 hotline on weekends.
President Marcos said Philippine government is talking with Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on lifting country's deployment ban.
"In coming months, Secretary Susan Ople will go to Saudi Arabia to ensure that employment ban will be lifted, and that we can advance our campaign against human trafficking," he said.
The DMW and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration will likewise ensure children of OFWs will have chance to study in schools where they will be taught financial literacy, mental wellness, sports, arts and culture.
"To our countrymen living and working abroad, you deserve home in government not only for the money you send home, but for you are not cold tools of the economy…you deserve it for your sacrifices, for our country and your perseverance and excellence in the global arena," President Marcos said.
"You represent fighting faith of Filipinos as nation and as people…let us transform your overseas journey into inspirational stories for all time," he added.
Former president Rodrigo Duterte signed the law created DMW in December 2021.
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