OFW Chronicles: Filipinos Abroad

Good news for Filipinos who are just about to embark on a journey and becoming OFWs. It's about time that our "benevolent" lawmakers in the Philippines give some importance to what the government keeps on calling "Bagong Bayani". This a very significant and relevant bill for future OFWs and their families. I know how hard it is to find substantial amount to spend on processing expenses before you can even leave the country, much more for the living expenses of the family that will be left behind.

The Philippine Government particularly OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) which is the lead institution that serves the interest and welfare of member-Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) has come up with a program which main purpose is to help and Finance some livelihood programs of OFW and their families through Financial Loans. Please see below the description and the criteria for the said program.

So it is, OFWs keep on making the Philippine Economy afloat and as if it’s not enough, OFWs must pay so that the Philippine government can extend assistance to the distressed Filipinos working abroad. That is according to the “Idea” of Manila Rep. Ma. Theresa Bonoan-David ( Para sa Emergency Repatriation Fund: OFWs, sisingilin ng $50 bago umalis ). I don’t know how many OFWs know about the OWWA fund, and I guess only a few of them have benefitted from it, in one way or the other. Personally I don’t even know where all those money are being spent except one program I came across with “ OWWA LOANS ".

Image via Wikipedia "In an effort to better improve and extend the scope of its Rights and Welfare Assistance Program (RWAP) for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), Migrante International today launched its “TANGGOL MIGRANTE ONLINE COMPLAINT FORM.” We uphold and advance the rights of overseas Filipinos: - Migrante International It's about time, Kudos!!! to Migrante International. This is indeed a good news for OFWs, a great weapon and a protective shield against the rudeness, and abuse of some Philippine Embassy Officials. I guess the Romulo Salud issue has a good impact after all. Majority of OFWs have access to the internet so this will be a very convenient way for them in addressing the right organization for their complaints. While the government talks about its appreciation of the contributions of Filipino Overseas Workers. Some Embassy Officials who are supposedly the "Champions" for the distressed OFWs are ironically worst than the “villains” themselves. ...