DUBAI: A group of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) has recommended that the planned Department of OFWs be led by Filipinos who had worked abroad and returned home because, being cognizant of the issues at hand, they would know how best to run the government agency.
“At least majority of the those who will be hired ay mga dating OFWs kasi alam namin ang sitwasyon ng mga OFWs especially yung mga distressed,” said Normillah A. Acampong, president of the OFW Global Coalition for Development, which has chapters six countries.
“Dapat ang ilagay na mga staff ay yung me puso sa mga OFW. Maraming mga professional OFWs who deserve to be in the position and know how to handle OFW cases,” she added in a phone interview from Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.
Acampong noted that the planned creation of a government agency that will solely handle OFW issues and concerns has been in the works since Duterte assumed presidency on June 30, 2016, and a highlight of the former Davao City mayor’s campaign promise.
“Nagpapasalamat kami at nabigyan na naman ng pansin ang mga OFWs,” said Acampong.
She explained that no better can the government be in a position to work on its OFW reintegration plan than by hiring those who have returned and looking to reintegrate.
“Mas kilala natin yung mga taong nasa ground. Kung kukuha sila ng hindi OFWs makikipag-consultation pa ang mga ito sa mga community leaders. Dapat mismong yung mga leaders ang ilagay sa Department of OFWs,” Acampong said.
According to her, the OFW Global Coalition for Development has seven chapters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and one each in Dubai, UAE; Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
President Duterte has certified as urgent, a piece of legislation introduced in the upper house by Sen. Bong Go creating the Department of OFWs. The president said he wants the bill to be signed by year end.
