By Perla Lena/Philippine News Agency
ILOILO CITY — Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are advised to always transact with licensed local recruitment agencies to be able to recover their benefits and privileges in case they encounter problems with their employment abroad.
Wilfreda L. Misterio, director of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) 6 (Western Visayas), emphasized this in her message during the Migrant Workers Day 2019 and information caravan, which was held at the activity center of Robinsons Place-Pavia on Thursday afternoon.
Misterio said it is difficult to run after employers abroad but they can run after local recruitment agencies based in the Philippines.
“They are jointly and severely liable for violations of contracts by foreign employers. So if the foreign employer violates the contract, the local recruitment agencies will have to answer for it,” she said.
The claims for unpaid salaries and other benefits can be facilitated with the help of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, National Labor Relations Commission, and OWWA.
The celebration of the Migrant Workers Day, with the theme “Salamat sa Tapang, Sipag at Pagmamahal mo, Kabayan”, gathered more than 1,000 OFWs and their families who were treated to a half day of entertainment provided by the Philippine National Police (PNP) Band, and raffle prizes courtesy of Sunlife Philippines, Philippine National Bank, and Cebu Pacific Air.
The celebration is slated to be held on June 7 of every year to commemorate the day when the Migrant Workers Act was enacted.
The regional director in her message underscored that “working abroad is not an easy feat.”
She said there are social costs of being away from family and friends, going out of one’s comfort zone, and adjusting to a new culture and climate, among others.
“We are very grateful to them in helping their families and in boosting the economy of the Philippines through the allotments and contributions received by their families back home,” Misterio said.
She expressed hope that in the near future, OFWs would come home and spend their senior years with their families in the Philippines.
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