Koronadal City enters into MOA with OWWA to support OFWs
In an effort to help overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and various local government units in the provinces of South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat have joined forces, as they signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for establishing an OFW Help Desks in every municipality.
The OFW Help Desk is envisioned as a centralized hub where OFWs and their families can access vital information, assistance, and resources within their locality.
By establishing an OFW Help Desk in each municipality, the government demonstrates its dedication to ensuring that OFWs receive comprehensive support, empowering them to navigate the challenges associated with working abroad.
During the MOA signing, with City of Koronadal being the host, City Mayor Eliordo U. Ogena expressed his welcome message, “today marks a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts between OWWA and the other LGUs as we come together for the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that solidifies our commitment to the well-being of our overseas Filipino workers and their families. I believe that this agreement will reflect our shared dedication to create an environment that nurtures and supports our modern-day heroes.”
This initiative is accompanied by a significant transition for OWWA, moving from its former mother agency, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), to its new home, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
DMW XII OIC Regional Director Maria Carolina B. Agdamag was also present during the MOA Signing.
In behalf of the Honorable Administrator Arnaldo A. Ignacio, Deputy Administrator Emma V. Sinclair along with the OIC of Human Resource Management and Development Division, Nimfa C. Unica, witnessed this momentous event. Ms. Sinclair mentioned in her speech “that OFWs play an important role as the backbone of the economy, contributing significantly to its stability and serving as an important engine that sustains the economy,” administrator said.
The collaboration of the LGUs and OWWA shows a broader commitment to recognizing the invaluable contribution of OFWs to the Philippine economy.
The OIC Regional Director Christelyn R. Caceres was also present in the occasion said,“Continuous commitment and collaboration with the agency’s in the ground ensures that assistance and support is readily available to every OFW across various localities.”
A total of 22 municipalities under the two provinces with LGU Tampakan, LGU Banga, LGU Norala, LGU Sto. Niño, LGU Surallah, LGU T’boli, LGU Tupi, LGU Lake Sebu, LGU Tantangan, LGU Polomolok, LGU Tacurong City, LGU Lambayong, LGU Columbio, LGU President Quirino, LGU Esperanza, LGU Bagumbayan, LGU Senator Ninoy Aquino, LGU Palimbang, LGU Lutayan, LGU Isulan, LGU Lebak and LGU Kalamansig officially inked the MOA.
The said signing of the Memorandum of Agreement was successfully taken place on November 22 at The Farm @ Carpenter Hills.