Gov't urged to have clear vision on OFW department | ABS-CBN
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Gov't urged to have clear vision on OFW department
Gov't urged to have clear vision on OFW department
ABS-CBN News
Published Aug 05, 2016 04:31 AM PHT
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Updated Aug 05, 2016 04:52 AM PHT
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The government should be clear with its vision on migration before finalizing the mechanics for the proposed department dedicated to overseas Filipino workers (OFW), an advocate said.
The government should be clear with its vision on migration before finalizing the mechanics for the proposed department dedicated to overseas Filipino workers (OFW), an advocate said.
"Should we continue sending workers abroad and address problems along the way, or we continue sending workers abroad because we cannot stop the workers from doing so and find ways on how to maximize the resources for their benefit and for the country’s benefit?" Professor Jeremiah Opiniano of the University of Sto. Tomas told “Mornings@ANC” on Thursday.
"Should we continue sending workers abroad and address problems along the way, or we continue sending workers abroad because we cannot stop the workers from doing so and find ways on how to maximize the resources for their benefit and for the country’s benefit?" Professor Jeremiah Opiniano of the University of Sto. Tomas told “Mornings@ANC” on Thursday.
"If that vision is clear, mechanics of this department will soon follow. But again, it’s coordination that is key here," he added.
"If that vision is clear, mechanics of this department will soon follow. But again, it’s coordination that is key here," he added.
ACTS-OFW Party-list Representative Aniceto "John" Bertiz III earlier filed a bill seeking to create a department dedicated to OFWs. This will be called the Department of Migration and Development.
ACTS-OFW Party-list Representative Aniceto "John" Bertiz III earlier filed a bill seeking to create a department dedicated to OFWs. This will be called the Department of Migration and Development.
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Senator Cynthia Villar filed a similar measure in the Senate. Her bill aims to ensure a unified approach to extending government services to migrant workers and their families.
Senator Cynthia Villar filed a similar measure in the Senate. Her bill aims to ensure a unified approach to extending government services to migrant workers and their families.
President Rodrigo Duterte himself has vowed to create such an agency early on, and even promised to establish a system of banks through which OFWs could send their remittances.
President Rodrigo Duterte himself has vowed to create such an agency early on, and even promised to establish a system of banks through which OFWs could send their remittances.
Opiniano, who is also the executive director of the Institute for Migration and Development Issues, said migration has long been embedded in the Philippine culture as a phenomenon where, demographically, relatives pull their kin closer to them.
Opiniano, who is also the executive director of the Institute for Migration and Development Issues, said migration has long been embedded in the Philippine culture as a phenomenon where, demographically, relatives pull their kin closer to them.
He noted that this leaves the government very little choice but to ensure that these citizens leaving the country do so safely and orderly.
He noted that this leaves the government very little choice but to ensure that these citizens leaving the country do so safely and orderly.
"Whether we have this department or not, the government has had this implicit policy of sending labor abroad so at the same time, while we have this policy, we cannot stop the population from going out," he said.
"Whether we have this department or not, the government has had this implicit policy of sending labor abroad so at the same time, while we have this policy, we cannot stop the population from going out," he said.
He also noted that the government tries to find suitable jobs for Filipinos abroad because we have a "burgeoning unemployment and underemployment problem" locally.
He also noted that the government tries to find suitable jobs for Filipinos abroad because we have a "burgeoning unemployment and underemployment problem" locally.
"The general sense here is how do we ensure that migration is safe and orderly. And if that is the case, how can we find ways that the resources can benefit them and the country," he said.
"The general sense here is how do we ensure that migration is safe and orderly. And if that is the case, how can we find ways that the resources can benefit them and the country," he said.
He added that the long-term view may be that labor exportation will eventually decrease in occurrence, but it will depend on government, in general, to "fix issues in its own backyard."
He added that the long-term view may be that labor exportation will eventually decrease in occurrence, but it will depend on government, in general, to "fix issues in its own backyard."
"Filipinos, when they migrate, it’s because of the many things that are present at home. They see change in other countries that they wish that whatever things they see outside, they would also like to see here," he explained.
"Filipinos, when they migrate, it’s because of the many things that are present at home. They see change in other countries that they wish that whatever things they see outside, they would also like to see here," he explained.
Opiniano also urged the government to offer incentives for returning overseas workers, so that they will be able to start their own business as part of their reintegration to their communities.
Opiniano also urged the government to offer incentives for returning overseas workers, so that they will be able to start their own business as part of their reintegration to their communities.
"I think Filipinos would probably respond to going back or investing in their country if they see that, let’s say, this administration is serious in making the country better," he said.
"I think Filipinos would probably respond to going back or investing in their country if they see that, let’s say, this administration is serious in making the country better," he said.
"While we have a department in place, it will depend on the overall scheme of things for the Philippine government for migrants and the resources to be used for development and also protect themselves," he added.
"While we have a department in place, it will depend on the overall scheme of things for the Philippine government for migrants and the resources to be used for development and also protect themselves," he added.
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