Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., the 17th President of the Philippines, announced during his First State of the Nation Address (SONA) that the issuance of OEC and Contract Verification will soon become digital and these documents will be something Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) can carry on their smartphones.
“We shall automate the verification of contracts and issue secure Overseas Employment Certifications (OEC) that you can keep on your smartphone. I call on the Department of Migrant Workers and the DICT to make this a top priority.” says President BBM.
The new automation of contract verification and issuance of Overseas Employment Certificates (OEC) is great news for many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). This will help them in the certificates faster and more efficient as well as making sure that they are properly documented.
What is OEC?
The Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is a document that is required for all Filipino workers who are leaving the country to work abroad. The OEC serves as proof that the worker has been properly documented and verified by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) / Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
What is Contract Verification?
Contract verification is the process of verifying that an OFW’s employment contract is valid and compliant with the standards set by the Philippine government. This is to ensure that the worker will be protected from illegal recruitment and other abusive practices.
How will the new automation help OFWs?
The new automation of the OEC issuance will help OFWs in several ways. First, it will help them get their OECs faster and more efficiently. Second, it will make sure that they are properly documented before they leave the country. This will minimize the chances of problems arising while they are working abroad. Finally, it will help them keep track of their OECs so that they can renew them on time.
Why are OEC and Contract Verification documents a hassle for OFWs?
One of the most common problems that OFWs face is the hassle of getting their documents in order before their deployment. With the new automation, this will no longer be a problem as all the necessary documents will be issued by the POEA / DMW prior to their departure and processed online.
The OFW clearance is a lengthy process, and it takes time to complete. Because OFWs go home to the Philippines for vacation before returning to their professional country, they must acquire these papers in order to return.
Filipinos normally have to book an appointment at the nearest POLO-OWWA office in order to process these documents. Sometimes they don’t have time and it requires a lot of work. The new automation is part of the directives of the President will be more efficient and will help save time for OFWs.
President BBM Directs DICT and DMW to Automate OFW Issuance of OECs and Contract Verification
President BongBong Marcos Jr.’s instruction to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in the Philippines is a good start in assisting fellow OFWs.
By allowing for contract verification and issuance of secure Overseas Employment Certificates (OEC) through digital smartphone, it will be easier and quicker for them to acquire their papers so that they may focus on their work.
This is a significant paradigm shift in the system, with major benefits for OFWs. We wish this paperless project would go smoothly and swiftly so that our employees may simply obtain their documents and continue to live their lives.
Video: Contract Verification and OEC for OFWS to Become Paperless
A video recording by ANC 24/7, which includes the president’s instruction to DMW and DICT regarding the OEC and contract verification, as well as OFWs’ future plans:
Summary
The new automation of the OEC issuance will help OFWs in several ways. First, it will help them get their OECs faster and more efficiently. Second, it will make sure that they are properly documented before they leave the country. This will minimize the chances of problems arising while they are working abroad. Finally, it will help them keep track of their OECs so that they can renew them on time.
The hassle of getting their documents in order before their deployment will no longer be a problem with the new automation. All the necessary documents will be issued by the POEA / DMW prior to their departure and processed online.
Take note that this directive is still in the works, and it is important to wait for official announcements from the DICT or DMW before making any changes to your current OFW documentation process. We will update this article as soon as more information is made available.