Iloilo city: This highly urbanized city is pushing the establishment of a help desk that will cater to Ilonggo overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), especially those in distress. Gab Umadhay, manager of the Iloilo City Public Employment Service Office (PESO), said they wanted a dedicated area for OFWs from this city, especially with the growing workforce being deployed in different parts of the country and abroad.
According to Philippines News Agency, the proposed help desk will function as a one-stop shop for referrals, assistance, protection, and reintegration of migrant workers. Gab Umadhay mentioned that one personnel would focus specifically on repatriation and reintegration efforts. This initiative aims to streamline the process for distressed OFWs returning home by handling referrals to various government agencies for necessary support.
The help desk will operate as a sub-unit of PESO, concentrating on the needs of OFWs. Umadhay highlighted the current practice where distressed OFWs are directed to various agencies, but with the new desk, the process will be centralized and managed by PESO. This will also enable the creation of a database of Iloilo City residents working abroad, currently estimated at around 10,000.
In addition to providing assistance, the city government plans to allocate funds for a reintegration program. Currently, PESO offers referrals for local and overseas employment, social aid through assistance for individuals in crisis situations, and additional capital for those with existing businesses.
Councilor Alan Zaldivar, author of the Iloilo City Help Desk Ordinance, stated that the proposed legislation is under committee deliberation after passing the first reading in the City Council session last week. The help desk aims to provide financial assistance and a livelihood program in coordination with national agencies whose programs are integrated into PESO.
Zaldivar emphasized the importance of a skills training program to enhance the capabilities of returning OFWs, incorporating programs from agencies like the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the City Social Welfare. The intervention will focus on both economic and psycho-social support for returning OFWs.
