OWWA Highlights Programs for OFWs, Urges Passage of Related Legislative Measures
By: Rhea Matilde A. Ballesteros, GPC – SP | Photos By: SP | Date: May 7, 2024
To protect and promote the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their dependents in the province of La Union, the 23rd Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) invited the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Regional Welfare Office I (OWWA RWOI) during their 97th Regular Session on May 7, 2024. This initiative, strongly supported by Gov. Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” Ortega-David, underscores the Provincial Government of La Union’s (PGLU) commitment to the welfare of 93,000 OFWs from the province.
The invitation to OWWA was recommended by SPM Hon. Henry B. Balbin through a privilege speech to discuss the programs, projects, activities, and services of OWWA that directly impact OFW KaPROBINSYAnihan, and for a possible collaboration with SP in terms of formulation of appropriate policies.
OWWA Regional Director Gerardo C. Rimorin, together with Ms. Marissa C. Naboye, Programs and Services Division Head; and Dr. Amapola Z. Villar, Education and Training Unit and Post Arrival and Repatriation Unit Head presented OWWA’s programs and services which includes social benefits, workers’ welfare management, education and training program, social services and family welfare services, medical repatriation, enterprise development, and loan program.
They also discussed their major projects such as “Tulong PUSO,” “Balik-Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay Program,” “Parokya ng OWWA at Pamilyang OFW,” and "OFW Children’s Circle." It was further reported that OWWA RWOI received 131 referred cases of OFWs from the Province of La Union and all were resolved successfully.
The question hour concluded with a discussion with Vice Gov. Mario Eduardo C. Ortega and SP Members on the OWWA membership of OFWs, full utilization of benefits, pension for retiring OFWs, development or enhancement of a system application that will automatically alert the OFWs’ status of their membership, and collaboration with local government units on their programs and projects.
In light of the OWWA RWOI’s report, the SP passed a resolution principally authored by SPM Maria Rosario Eufrosina P. Nisce and SPM Ruperto A. Rillera, Jr. localizing “Kamusta Kabayan OFWs Program" and all other local initiatives of OWWA.
As per OWWA’s data, top five municipalities with the most number of OWWA registered OFWs are the City of San Fernando with 15,000; Naguilian with 10,000; Bauang with 8,000; San Juan with 7,700; and Agoo with 6,200.
The PGLU and SP expressed their commitment and La Union PROBINSYAnihan to work collaboratively with the OWWA RWOI in promoting and protecting the welfare of the OFWs who are great contributors to the local economy.
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