The impending erection of OFWs’ deemed second home is now palpable
Following the groundbreaking ceremony of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) building just recently, the impending erection of a deemed second home for the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Region XII is now palpable. The edifice, worth 45 million pesos, is set to rise in Koronadal City’s prime regional center at Barangay Carpenter Hill on a land area of 182 square meters.
City Mayor Atty. Eliordo U. Ogena told that after a series of groundbreaking ceremonies, it is an emblem that the city and government are going forward. “Just recently, Philhealth XII, did the same activity, it is a sign that we are going forward,” Ogena said conveying his gladness for another milestone slated to be built in the city. He also mentioned that many other national offices wanted to avail a parcel of land donated by the city government, however, until now, they still haven’t complied, yet, the mayor is working hard and making a way for them to abide.
OWWA Administrator Arnell Ignacio who personally graced the occasion stated that the OWWA XII structure is one of the huge undertakings that was considered a turning point for it went through a very long process and series of negotiations before it was acquired. He also recalled the zero budget of the office in 2009, but according to him, by working enthusiastically with the various government subsidiaries, the zero budget reached Php45 Million which paved the way to realize the long-conceived project after more than a decade of anticipation. “Iba ang feeling kung nagtatrabaho ka kasama ang gobyerno at masarap magtrabaho kung may makakasama kang team,” OWWA Administrator Ignacio said as he expressed sincere gratitude to Mayor Ogena and the rest of the government agencies and the people who helped them attain their goal.
Further, Ignacio emphasized that the OWWA is more than just a building; it also serves as a home for OFWs and their families, accommodating and catering to their needs, queries, and struggles, and even making their lives better because they will not be disappointed at the OWWA office.
OWWA Regional Director Marilou Sumalinog, on the other hand, extended her gratitude to Sen. Raffy Tulfo and Kabayan Partylist for allocating some funds to the said project while recognizing the efforts of OWWA XII outgoing RD Abdul Ghalib Imbag who insisted that OWWA should be given a separate lot from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) XII, which was initially considered to share space with the said agency. Meanwhile, as the construction will commence soon, it is expected to be completed before the current year ends.
Among those present during the groundbreaking ceremony were OWWA Deputy Administrator for Administration and Fund Management Emma Sinclair, Regional Operations Coordination Service (ROCS) Director Benny Reyes, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) XII Assistant Regional Director Rose C. Javate and many others.