Rep. Marissa Magsino of the OFW Party-list has urged for significant revisions to the current Inter-agency Medical Repatriation Assistance Program (IMRAP), aiming to enhance the support system for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in distress.
During a policy dialogue held on Monday, Nov. 6, Magsino highlighted the need for an overhaul of IMRAP, as stipulated in House Resolution (HR) No. 1373, which she previously filed to prompt an inquiry into the program’s efficacy.
Magsino recognized the success of IMRAP, particularly during the pandemic, but also pointed out that the evolving landscape since its inception in 2017 necessitates a re-evaluation of the program. “With the creation of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), we must align IMRAP to work seamlessly with new structures and respond to present-day challenges,” Magsino stated.
The DMW, along with other key agencies such as the Department of Health, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Social Work and Development, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Philippine Charity Sweepstake Office, and the Manila International Airport Authority, plays a crucial role in IMRAP’s execution.
Magsino drew attention to several “gaps” in the current system, including issues with inter-agency communication and coordination, as well as inadequate post-repatriation support for returning workers, such as welfare and reintegration assistance.
While IMRAP’s mandate includes the provision of such support, Magsino argued that the reality often falls short of the intentions outlined in the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 2017-0001.
The legislator advocated for expanding the scope of IMRAP to not only cover medical emergencies but also extend its protective measures to OFWs affected by abuse, human trafficking, and geopolitical conflicts, citing areas like Israel, Lebanon, and Sudan.