OVERSEAS Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Arnell Ignacio, is the guest speaker during the dialogue between recruitment business owners and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) advocates in protecting the interest and welfare of Filipino migrant workers.
The OWWA Administrator Ignacio said during the 3rd Convention of the Special Alliance
of Welfare Officers, Advocates, Recruiters and Migrant Workers Inc. (SWARM), led by Atty. David Castillon, which highlighted the covenant signing for mutual support and cooperation with joint forces of OFW advocates, non-government agencies (NGOs) Force Multipliers and The Fraternal Order of Eagles.
In his speech, Ignacio reiterated the important role of Filipino migrant workers who were considered economic heroes due to their significant contribution towards the growth of the country’s economy.
“Iwasan na lang po natin ang bangayan mag fucos lang tayo sa ating trabaho para sa ating pamilya umaasa sa ating mga OFWs nagtratrabaho sa ibang bansa, at dapat hindi nagsasalpukan ang mga recruitment agencies at OFW advocates dahil sa huli, ang hindi magandang epekto nito ay tatama lang sa ating mga OFWs.” Ignacio said.
For his part, Atty Castillon said they are open to hear the grievances and problems of OFW advocates to come up with the best solutions which will benefit, not only the Filipino migrant workers, but legitimate owners of recruitment agencies as well.
Atty. Castillon admitted that there are some recruitment agencies that deceived and charged too much money from jobseekers but there are more legitimate recruitment agencies that protect the welfare of OFWs.
“Yung mga pasaway na recruitment agency, dapat lang na parusahan ang mga iyan pero huwag naman sanang lahatin dahil mas marami pa rin ang nakakatulong, nakakapag-ambag at kumakalinga sa karapatan at proteksiyon ng mga OFWs,” Atty. Castillon said.
He said now is the time for recruitment agencies, welfare officers, OFWs and advocates to unite and find the right solution to problems of OFWs including employer’s abuse, those who landed in jail for the crime they did not commit, and those who were denied their rights under the law.
Photo: OWWA Admin Arnel Ignacio and Atty David Castillon during the forum
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