IN celebration of the Migrant Workers’ Day on Wednesday, President Marcos vowed to continue pursuing better working conditions for overseas Filipino workers in recognition of their valuable contributions to the country’s economic growth. In a video message posted on his Facebook page, the President said his administration will strengthen its ties with the host countries of overseas Filipino workers to ensure their safety, welfare and well-being. (Read, “PBBM vows to foster ties with countries hosting OFWs on Migrant Workers Day,” in the BusinessMirror, June 7, 2023).
“In every corner of the globe you have left an indelible mark that uplifted both your host countries and our nation in the process,” Marcos said. “The entire nation stands with you every step of the way and all of us are united in pride and in admiration for the work that gives you meaning and purpose.”
Marcos said overseas Filipinos “fuel the country’s engine of progress.” Last year, they sent around $36 billion in remittances, or about 8.9 percent of the country’s gross domestic product, according to central bank data.
“We understand the challenges that you face being far from your loved ones, adjusting to new cultures and overcoming barriers,” Marcos said. “That’s why this administration will continue to foster stronger ties with countries that host our migrant workers, ensuring safety, welfare and well-being.”
The Philippines celebrates Migrant Workers’ Day every June 7 in commemoration of the signing of Republic Act 8042 or the Migrant Workers’ Act of 1995, which introduced standards for the protection Filipinos working abroad, and their families left behind.
Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople honored and recognized our OFWs for bringing pride to the nation. In her video message posted on Facebook, Ople assured our migrant workers that the DMW is here to serve as our 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 kaming magkulang sa pagtatanggol ng inyong karapatan,” 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.”
Ople also signed with Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual an agreement to help OFWs start a business of their own as part of the celebration of the 28th Migrant Workers’ Day.
“Our OFWs contribute to our economy through their dollar remittances but at some point in their lives, they would also need to come home and create sustainable sources of income through entrepreneurship, sound investments or by landing a better job here at home. Through the DTI, our OFW-entrepreneurs and/or their families would be able to access business training and mentorship programs that would enable them to stay together while also providing jobs to others,” Ople said.
Among the features of the DMW-DTI partnership are: Assistance in the business registration process for OFWs; inclusion of OFWs and OFW families in DTI’s business training and development programs; financial literacy training courses for OFWs in partnership with DMW offices worldwide and OWWA regional offices for OFW families; OFW products and services to be included in DTI trade fairs; and linking up of OFW companies/products/services with large companies and government agencies to improve market access and promotions.
The DTI will also issue a certificate to OFWs or members of their families who successfully registered their business and underwent entrepreneurship training. This will serve as an endorsement to any livelihood or financial assistance to be granted by the DMW to OFW beneficiaries.
The DMW will identify, evaluate, and submit a list of potential beneficiaries and applicants to existing DTI programs and services. A Joint Technical Working Group will be created to monitor the implementation of the DMW-DTI agreement while continuing to strengthen its implementation and work for its expansion through Migrant Workers Offices around the world and in cooperation with various local governments.
Ople said the agreement with DTI and seven other major reintegration partners is in line with the President’s directive to help transform an OFW’s journey into “inspirational stories for all time.”
“We want them to come back with excitement in their hearts on what the future holds for them and their families, through meaningful partnerships across the government bureaucracy and with NGOs and private companies serving as their mentors and cheerleaders,” Ople said.
