(PNA file photo)
MANILA – For their immense sacrifices to support their families and in helping the economy, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Susan Ople said a week-long activity has been prepared for the country’s overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families.
In celebration of the 28th National Migrants Week on Wednesday, Ople honored and recognized the OFWs for bringing pride to the nation.
In her video message posted on Facebook, Ople assured that the DMW will serve as the OFWs' home and ally in the government.
“Lagi kayong binibilin ng ating pangulo, si President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. at sabi nga niya alagaan kayong mabuti at huwag kami magkulang sa pagtatanggol ng inyong karapatan (Our President, President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. always reminds us to take good care of you and not fail in defending your rights),” Ople said.
“Makakaasa kayo na ang inyong tahanan sa gobyerno ay nandito palagi, 24/7 para kayo’y paglingkuran at ang inyong mga pangarap ay matupad dito man sa Pilipinas o saan mang panig ng mundo (You can count your home in the government that we will always be here, 24/7 to serve you and make your dreams come true whether it's here in the Philippines or anywhere in the world),” she added.
On Monday, Ople opened the week-long celebration with a bazaar and a photo exhibit contest featuring the Filipino seafarers, ahead of the International Seafarers Day slated on June 25.
The exhibit aims to recognize the contribution and sacrifices of Filipino seafarers, whose skills, ability, and charm showing their Filipino hospitality while performing their daily work aboard their vessels is known worldwide.
On Tuesday, the DMW held a send-off ceremony for Korea-bound workers at the DMW lobby.
On Wednesday, several agreements were signed by the DMW together with other concerned government agencies such as the Deaprtment of Trade and Industry and other stakeholders from the private sector for the impelemtation of a full-cycle reintegration programs for the OFWs.
Capacity-building trainings were also held for the OFWs as well as their families.
On Thursday, The DMW is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and BDO Foundation on “Pinansiyal na Talino at Kakayahan” (PiTaKa) project.
On Friday, the new DMW rules and regulations governing recruitment and employment of land-based overseas workers will be launched.
On June 12, Independence Day, an overseas jobs fair will be held at the DMW office building lobby, and on June 13, the DMW will sign another agreement with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) for the socialized housing project for eligible OFWs and their families.
Interested applicants for the job fair are encouraged to bring several copies of their resume, a photocopy of their passport, and to bring their own pen.
They are also encouraged to wear their face mask inside the building.
Meanwhile, aside from the OFWs, Ople also thanked the DMW employees and staff who tirelessly serve the migrant workers.
"Nakikita na nating nabubuo ang tahanan ng OFWs, kayo ang haligi niyan hindi lang ako kundi bawat isa sa inyo, kaya pagbutihin pa natin alang-alang sa kanila, magserbisyo tayo ng may integridad (We can already see the home of OFWs being built, you are the pillar of that, not only me but each of you, so let's do our best for them, let's serve with integrity),” Ople said.
Every June 7, the Philippines marks "National Migrant Workers' Day" to celebrate the signing of Republic Act No. 8042 or the Migrant Workers' Act of 1995. (PNA)
