DUBAI: For all the benefits it would entail, the Department of Overseas Filipino Workers (DOFWs), which is being fast tracked by the administration, could only best perform its functions if led by OFWs themselves.
This, according to Gilbert G. Alarcon, executive director of the Riyadh chapter of the Values Formation and Spiritual Transformation Council of Philippines, who told The Filipino Times enactment of Senate Bill 202, introduced by Sen. Bong Go, would create a “one-stop-shop style agency that will lessen if not totally eliminate red tape and will make it easier for us OFWs in processing our needed documents.
Alarcon added that the measure would also address financial transparency concerns.
“I believe auditing will also be much easier for the Commission on Audit as allocation of government budget and its control will be centralized into one government agency instead of allocating them in different agencies,” he explained.
Another area of concern that is being hoped to be addressed, said Alarcon, is illegal recruitment.
“(I)t will thwart illegal recruiters from victimizing and exploiting applicants for jobs outside the country,” he said.
Alarcon said the creation of the DOFWs “is a very welcome development, though a little bit overdue being not only one of his campaign promises but a promise he reiterated when he visited us here in Riyadh, KSA back in April 12, 2017.”
Among challenges he sees ahead, Alarcon said, is having the department run efficiently as envisioned.
To this end, he suggested: “Top to middle echelon – at least from undersecretary to assistant secretary and down – should be manned by former OFWs.”
“Otherwise, it will function as the same old body; only with a different face. Afterall, only OFWs will best understand OFWs,” he said.
Last week, a group of OFWs recommended that the DOFWs 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 said.
