ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Regional Welfare Office-IX (OWWA 9) conducted a Capacity Building and Training OFW Desk Officers and other Stakeholders at Bajamunde Farms Pension, Sunset Blvd., Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte on November 23, 2018.

The training sought to impart concepts on OWWA Community Organizing Program, to strengthen LGU OFW Help Desks and OFW Provincial Federations while establishing camaraderie and networking among the participants and stakeholders.

OWWA together with the Department of Labor and Employment, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) signed a Memorandum of Agreement which states that these agencies shall provide an orientation to the LGU in their respective jurisdiction regarding programs and services, the procedures and processes in availing of the programs and other guidelines that may be deemed necessary for the swift delivery of its programs and services.

These agencies are also expected to conduct consultation and monitoring for immediate clarification and resolution of issues and concerns raised by the OFW and their dependents.

The Local Government Unit (LGU) shall assign a qualified OFW Help Desk Officer from among the personnel of their municipality and act as an extension arm of DOLE, OWWA, POEA, and TESDA in the dissemination of information of their programs and services.

Mayor Abel Matildo from the Municipality of Godod, Zamboanga del Norte and Vice Mayor Enriquita U. Winters from the Municipality of Manukan, Zamboanga del Norte, PESO Managers from the provinces Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur, Representatives of Partner-Schools and other stakeholders participated in the said activity.

The participants were oriented on the following topics: Republic Act No. 10801 – An Act Governing the Operations and Administration of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and Implementing Rules and Regulations, OWWA Programs and Services, OWWA Apps and OFW E-Card, Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) Joint Manual of Operations and Post Work Structure and Framework, Handling and Distinction of Welfare Cases.

Meanwhile, Balik Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay beneficiaries received their starter kits from the National Reintragtion Center for OFWs thru its Regional Coordinator Sherwin R. Mendizabel. END/With reports from Fatima Jane Salihuddin, OWWA 9 LCO