Press Release
July 18, 2009

OFWs deserve more than lip service from gov't - Loren

Senator Loren Legarda said today that the millions of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) deserve more than the lip service they get from the present administration as they prop the economy with the billions of dollars that they remit each year.

Loren pointed out that the next administration must go hard against illegal recruiters, lower placement and related fees that put a burden on OFWs, and provide them more tangible support services through the Philippine embassies and consulates worldwide.

"OFWs must be prepared well by government for the rigors of working away from their families, from the culture shocks they would have, and for the many challenges inherent to working in foreign countries that have laws different from those in the Philippines," said Loren.

She lamented that the pre-departure orientation seminars (PDOS) provided to OFWs come short in scope and in seriousness of intent and purpose.

"Sadly, the PDOS for OFWs had been token at most, something given perfunctorily, thus leaving many OFWs wondering if they have any relevance at all," said Loren.

The senator stressed that the protection of OFWs starts with the government forming bilateral agreements with countries that host OFWs, so that ample protection are given them by their host governments.

Loren said that there is nothing intrinsically wrong with the deployment of OFWs in view of the economies of nations having become interconnected and global in scope and reach.

But what's important, said Loren, is for the Philippines not to neglect its own industries so that much needed jobs can be created locally, thereby minimizing the need to send Filipino workers abroad.

Loren said that most Filipinos would choose to work in the Philippines given competitive remunerations, favorable working conditions and a clear view of their contribution to the overall economy.

"Nobody wants to be away from our families, and I believe that it's a no-brainer choice really when it comes to working in your own country and away from it, if most variables like income and career opportunities are equal or, at least, competitive," she said.

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