They came from different parts of the country, in what has become an annual pilgrimage of sorts. I refer to Monday’s Ninth OFW & Family Summit convened by the Villar SIPAG Foundation, which was held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. Thousands of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families attended the event, hosted by no less than Sen. Cynthia Villar and daughter, Rep. Camille Villar. Present to cheer the hardworking mother and daughter team on was former Senate President and leading businessman Manny Villar.
The summit brought together successful OFW entrepreneurs, representatives of government agencies, and even entertainers courtesy of the GMA Network with no less than GMA International Head of Operations Joseph Francia accompanying the talents. All these guests made for an exciting day for the modern-day heroes present, many of who were sukis of the summit, since the first year it was launched.
This writer was invited to serve as moderator, alongside the highly entertaining and astute Arnell Ignacio during the afternoon session involving a panel of distinguished government representatives. Arnell had served as deputy administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration where he left a huge imprint as one who cares for the rights of our OFWs. Joining the government panel were Finance Undersecretary Sarah Arriola, Justice Undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay-Villar, POEA Deputy Administrator Aristodes Ruaro and OWWA Director Anne Gregorio.
The government representatives reminded the OFW audience to stay away from illegal recruiters and human traffickers. Arriola said that the Philippines has no bilateral labor agreement with the United Arab Emirates that would warrant the sending of domestic workers to Dubai. “Do not leave the country as tourists because as tourists you are not allowed in Dubai,” the DFA official said.
She also invited the OFWs present to “like” and follow the OFW Help Facebook Page of her agency, and to post messages whenever emergency assistance is needed. “Please do not post messages inquiring about passport services. We opened this page specifically for emergency cases involving distressed OFWs,” she said.
In behalf of the Department of Justice, and specifically the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, Aglipay-Villar urged the OFWs to know their rights and to seek government assistance when human trafficking is involved.
She explained the different types of trafficking in persons, and also reminded the overseas workers that it is against the law for foreign employers to take away the passports of Filipino workers and to deprive them of their basic rights. “Do not think that if you complain about a human trafficking case involving your loved ones that we will run after and arrest the person who was exploited. We are after those responsible for the exploitation of our OFWs, regardless of whether the worker consented to leave or not.”
The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration sent Deputy Administrator Aristodes Ruaro to the summit with a call to action: in case of doubt on the validity of job orders and contracts, get in touch with the POEA. The agency also has a one-stop center to assist overseas job applicants. He also gave information regarding the government-to-government arrangement between the Philippines and Israel that would initially require at least 1,000 hotel workers.
In behalf of OWWA, Gregorio gave updates regarding OFW rebates and its ongoing scholarship programs. There was a lot of interest in the OWWA rebates scheme with some elder OFWs wanting confirmation as to their eligibility to apply given the length of time involved from the time they departed to the time they have settled in the country. Gregorio urged those interested in the rebates of OWWA to visit any of their regional offices, or to call the OWWA hotline 1348.
The summit came to a close with a touching message from Senator Villar who thanked all those present for making her No. 1 in the 2019 senatorial elections. The OFWs and their families cheered their appreciation, knowing that the Villar family has consistently been always there for them.
A lucky OFW family member went home with the grand prize, a house and lot from Lessandra by Camella, others left with smaller raffle prizes from home appliances to a motorcycle; everyone went home happy to be part of an annual summit with entrepreneurial advice and government reminders to cherish and reflect on.
Next year, the pilgrimage begins again, once November comes about. Meanwhile, we congratulate the Villar SIPAG Foundation and, of course, the indefatigable Senator Villar and her very supportive family, for bringing thousands of OFWs and their families together, if only for that one single Summit day.
****
Susan V. Ople heads the Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute, a nonprofit organization that deals with labor and migration issues. She also represents the OFW sector in the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking.