Government Agencies Sign Joint Manual of Operations Providing Assistance to Filipino Migrant Workers

A Joint Manual of Operations in Providing Assistance to Migrant Workers and Other Filipinos Overseas was signed on Tuesday by the secretaries and representatives of several government agencies. This document outlines the roles and responsibilities of these agencies toward overseas Filipinos.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario; Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz; Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman, represented by Undersecretary Parishya Taradji; Health Secretary Janette Loreto-Garin, represented by Assistant Secretary Gerardo V. Bayugo; Philippine Overseas Employment Administration Chief Hans Leo J. Cacdac; and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Head Rebecca Calzado signed the Joint Manual of Operations in Providing Assistance to Migrant Workers and Other Filipinos Overseas, the document that outlines the roles and responsibilities of their respective agencies and overseas offices to effect a cohesive, seamless, efficient, and effective delivery of government services to overseas Filipinos, particularly to those who are in distress.

“Above all, we are deeply grateful to our modern-day heroes, the overseas Filipinos. This Joint Manual is for you: to honor your heroism, your sacrifices, and your contributions. Thank you for putting your trust and faith in us. We will continue to do our best to assist you not only in addressing your needs but also, and more importantly, help achieve your dreams,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Del Rosario said.

“The challenge that lies before us now is to implement this Joint Manual with utmost consistency, efficiency, and professionalism. I am confident of the success of this Joint Manual as everyone here has the interests of our overseas Filipinos at heart. It will enhance the Philippines’ reputation as a model for migration governance. It is proof-positive of our collective commitment for our overseas Filipinos,” he added.

Moreover, Del Rosario said that Filipino migrant workers today are in a more complex situation because of the ever-changing geopolitical conditions in many parts of the world. In addition to this, the pervasive cultural differences among societies continue to bring difficulties in the lives of Filipinos living and working overseas.

“It is, therefore, imperative for us in government and for our private sector partners to be more purposive and cohesive in our approach in dealing with work realities and problems of our overseas Filipinos,” DOLE Secretary Baldoz said.

The Joint Manual, which has obtained the endorsement and approval of the House of Representatives through the Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs, is comprehensive in its breadth and depth, and covers almost every conceivable situation migrant Filipinos may find themselves in, while abroad. It provides clear and concise step-by-step processes, lines of accountabilities, modes of reporting and coordination, and even specific timelines and sharing of resources and obligations.

The Joint Manual, which immediately takes effect upon its signing, shall be jointly reviewed and revised after three years and every three years thereafter. (DFA)