A multi-agency agreement signed Monday is set to consolidate government services for overseas Filipino workers across three Central Visayas provinces, with Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro pledging close monitoring of developments in the Middle East as part of the effort.
The memorandum of agreement, facilitated by the Department of Migrant Workers, brings together local government units from Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor alongside national agencies under what officials are calling the “One Window Bayanihan Assistance Program.” The initiative, launched March 31, is designed to streamline the delivery of assistance so that no OFW is left without support, particularly those caught in active crisis situations abroad.
Among the concrete commitments under the agreement, TESDA will offer free skills training for returning or displaced OFWs to help them rebuild livelihoods upon repatriation.
Baricuatro said the provincial government is actively coordinating with national agencies and is preparing support systems for workers who may be affected by the ongoing situation in the Middle East. “Mahigpit na mino-monitor ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ang sitwasyon, nakikipag-ugnayan sa mga pambansang ahensya, at naghahanda ng mga kinakailangang support system para sa mga OFW na maaaring maapektuhan,” she said.
The governor added that the unified approach is meant to accelerate and improve the quality of government services reaching OFWs and their families.
Alongside the assistance program, authorities also launched the Anti-Illegal Recruitment and Trafficking in Persons Campaign, known as AIRTIP, targeting the exploitation of Filipino workers before they even leave the country.
