PACT. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), together with the local government of Roxas City, Capiz on Thursday (May 16, 2024) sign an agreement that aims to curb illegal recruitment and trafficking in persons. Under the agreement, information dissemination and public awareness drives will be strengthened to help those aspiring to work overseas from falling victims to unscrupulous individuals. (Photo courtesy of OWWA)
MANILA – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) on Thursday signed an agreement with the local government of Roxas City in Capiz to curb illegal recruitment and trafficking in persons.
In a statement, the OWWA said the signed convergence memorandum of agreement (MOA) provides for coordinated actions to strengthen the fight against these illegal acts that target those planning to work overseas.
Other government agencies that signed the MOA include the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the City of Roxas, Capiz.
"Sa ilalim ng kasunduang ito, plano ng mga ahensya na palakasin ang mga programa at proyekto na maglalayong labanan ang mga aktibidad na ito, pati na rin ang pagpapalakas ng kaalaman at kamalayan ng publiko (Under this partnership, the agencies plan to strengthen programs and projects that aims to fight perpetrators of these activities, and strengthen information dissemination and public awareness)," the statement reads.
OWWA Administrator Arnell Ignacio led the signing ceremony together with TESDA Representative Rick Abraham, DOLE Representative Mary Chris Medina, Assistant Secretary for Licensing and Adjudication Services Francis Ron De Guzman, and Roxas City, Capiz Mayor Ronnie Dadivas.
Meanwhile, OWWA distributed livelihood assistance to 15 beneficiaries of its Balik Pinas Balik Hanapbuhay Program (BPBH).
The program aims to provide immediate assistance to returning member OFWs who want to start their own business.
Each beneficiary received PHP20,000 initial capital, the OWWA said.
The BPBH is part of OWWA’s reintegration program that provides cash grants to active or non-active OWWA members who were displaced by hostilities or wars/political conflicts, policy reforms or changes by host governments; victims of illegal recruitment or human trafficking or other distressful situations. (PNA)
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