OWWA Renews Partnership with LGUs for Migrant Desk Office

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) strengthens its partnership with Baguio – Benguet local government units (LGU) through the renewal of commitment to establish Migrant Desk Office in the localities.

OWWA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac led the memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing at the Baguio Country Club, February 5, for the establishment of Migrant Workers Desk and designation of focal person who will look into OFW concerns.

Signatories to the MOA are Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan, Benguet Governor Cresencio Pacalso, and the local chief executives of Benguet’s 13 municipalities.

The partnership specifically calls for LGUs to designate  a  focal person or Migrant Desk Officer who shall coordinate with OWWA in the provisions of programs and services of the agency, appropriate assistance to the OFWs and their families, and make referral to OWWA of possible clients or of eligible beneficiaries to OWWA programs and services.

OWWA, on the other hand, will continuously orient LGU personnel on OWWA’s program and services, the procedures and processes in the availing of the programs, and other necessary guidelines that will ensure timely delivery of programs and services to OFWs and their families.

Cacdac outlined that the partnership signifies OWWA’s willingness and readiness to help LGUs serve their constituents, not only in bringing OWWA programs and services but also in addressing the concerns of OFWs and the families they left behind.

“The MOA signing is only the beginning. We are willing to help those who had been victimized by abuses. We are willing to help those whose family members abroad need rescue and repatriation, those who had been victimized by contract substitution and other violation, and of course the families left behind,” Cacdac said.

Pacalso and Domogan, in their respective response statement, highlighted the importance of the partnership with OWWA given the social cost of migration that Filipino migrant workers and their families are bearing in their hope of a better life.

While in Baguio, Cacdac also met with the officials of the Federation of OFWs in Cordillera Region to listen to their issues and concerns.

Establishment of OFW Family Circles as partners in ensuring the welfare and development of migrant workers and their families is another key thrust of OWWA.