Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. wants to improve the lives of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families under his leadership term, as per a statement from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople.
Also Read: OWWA Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Agency for OFWs
In the most recent episode of The Mangahas Interviews, Ople claimed that Marcos had instructed her to establish programs not just for OFWs but also for their families. This is great news for OFWs because it means that the Philippine government will be providing focus to migrant workers who need it the most.
Video: GMA News The Mangahas Interviews with DMW Secretary
Check out this video clip of The Mangahas Interviews with Migrant Workers Office Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople:
“The OFWs are our perspective or lens. How can we keep track of them so they don’t feel weighed down? We need to take away as much of the burden from them as possible since leaving their family was a tough decision.”
“So, let’s try and see how the government can be invisible in the process and yet be there when we are needed,” Susan Ople said.
Ople added that Marcos wanted to improve database management so returning OFWs could be matched with suitable employment from potential employers in the Philippines.
Managing a Database for OFWs
“President Marcos also wishes that OFWs also had database management. Who is going home? What type of expertise does he have? How can they be utilized in the business world? Who among them wants to start a company?” she added.
Ople added that additional initiatives were in the works for Filipino migrant workers and their families, such as partnerships with private institutions to develop programs and services.
In fact, there is a little office known as the National Integration Center for OFWs… I believe that OFWs are unaware of its existence… and the only way it may become operational is through collaboration with the business sector.
Summary
It is great to know that Marcos has instructed the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople to establish programs not just for OFWs but also for their families. This shows that the President is truly concerned about the welfare of our kababayans who are working abroad.
Many OFWs hope that under the leadership of President Marcos, more initiatives will be put in place to help OFWs and their families. Many also hope that private institutions will partner with the government to create more programs and services that will benefit our kababayans.