OWWA: OCCIDENTAL MINDORO HOLDS CONSULTATION

By: Eunice Barbara C. Novio

The one million mark of OFW deployment in the world was reached in 2006, thus making the country the producer of workers for the world. The Bagong Bayani or the Overseas Filipino Workers’ contributions keep the economy afloat. However, migrant workers and their families left behind are facing tremendous problems, though not financially, but coping up with loneliness, depression and stress. The impact of migration gives the Filipino society a new concept of family. The advent of technology seemed to lessen the loneliness of the OFW and her/his family. She/he could connect with them through the internet, text messaging, or video calls. Still, the consequences to the emotional well-being of both the migrant workers and their families must not be undermined. The government, civil society and the individuals must all look up to address the growing numbers of OFWs.

OFWS in all categories including those into 3D jobs

Overseas Filipino Workers from Occidental Mindoro are scattered across the globe as seafarers, in various professions such as teachers, chefs, engineers, construction workers, caregivers, nurses, doctors and the entertainment industry, and also those who are into 3D (dirty, dangerous and demeaning) jobs, mostly domestic workers, particularly women. The migrant workers in all kinds of jobs still share the same sentiments: homesickness and other work related problems. At home, the families they left behind are also experiencing difficulties in coping up with the loneliness and the sudden changes in lifestyles.

In connection with this, the Overseas Workers Welfare Association together with the DOLE decided to hold Consultation Workshops to address the growing needs, issues and concerns of the OFWs and their families as a first step to recognize the importance of the Bagong Bayani and their families.

Kenneth Pangilinan, the OWWA representative and Family Welfare Officer (FWO) in Occidental Mindoro gathered 15 participants from two municipalities in Occidental Mindoro, namely San Jose and Magsaysay to attend the event. According to him, budget constraint and limited time hindered the agency to invite participants from the whole province. Pictured above: Kenneth D. Pangilinan, Family Welfare Officer explains the objectives and the workshop process during the Consultation.

OWWA AND DOLE: FIRST EVER PROVINCIAL CONSULTATION WORKSHOP

The first provincial consultation workshop on the specific needs and services of OFWs and their families was held on April 30, 2011 at the Senior Citizen’s Hall in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. Sponsored by Dole and OWWA, the consultation aims to identify issues and concerns of OFWs and their families towards the development of new programs and services, particularly the consultation/workshop shall come up with solutions and strategies as well as the economic conditions and the challenges faced by the overseas Filipino Workers and their families.

After the provincial level, regional consultation will be done on May 9-11, 2011 in Manila and the National Consultation will be held on June 2011 at the SMEX Convention Center at SM Mall of Asia in June.

The workshop covered the problems of the OFWs on Job site, their families and the reintegration of the returning OFWs and the possible solutions were discussed.

OFWS most prominent problems

The most prominent problems faced by the OFWs are: contract violations particularly those that are deployed in the Middle East and in Taiwan. Loneliness and depression came next both for the OFWs and the families left behind. Delayed salaries and unpaid overtime pay were also issues that need attention. Inhuman conditions, sexual abuses, no insurances and other benefits were also raised.

The participants both returning OFWs and their kin during the workshop

Social Cost of Migration

The social cost of migration evidently shows on the behavior of the children. Based on the workshop presentation, children tend to become materialistic, distant, marry at early age and difficult to discipline, especially if the mother is the one left at home. The children have difficulties in understanding the phenomenon of belonging to a “different” families, thus, may encounter stress or having to cope up with the notion that OFW children are rich or financially capable to buy the latest gadgets or to be in the latest fashion. Husbands or wives of OFWs are also caught up with this kind of attitude. Many also mentioned that some husbands and wives cheated both those who remained at home and in abroad.

Ms. Bea Nuyda-Pangilinan, a former migrant worker and a wife to an OFW explains the difficulties of the families left behind by the OFWs

Possible Solutions

The participants were able to identify solutions to the raised issues and concerns. To the On Site OFWs, seeking the assistance of the POLO, OWWA or the Philippine embassies/consulates in their host countries is the primary solution to address the problems they encountered. The local agencies who recruited the distressed workers must be reported to POEA so that proper measures such as closure or blacklisting must be done. Strengthening Filipino communities as well as support groups in host countries must be done not only to facilitate help from the concerned offices but also as surrogate “families” to the OFWs. Philippine embassies across the globe should provide counseling to OFWs to cope up to their new environments as migrant workers and to their loneliness, especially during the first 6 months.

At home, OFW families must be organized and to the existing organizations, to be strengthened to be support groups. Concerned agencies like OWWA should give psychological help and assign Social workers to counsel families of OFWs particularly the children in coping with their loneliness and depression. Children of OFWs must also undergo orientation on gender issues as well as other concerns on migration.

Ms. Eunice C. Novio, a migrant advocate and also a wife of an OFW discusses the rights of the migrants as mandated by the international treaties such as UN Convention on the Protection of the Migrant Workers and their families

OWWA Membership

- During the consultation, the participants raise the issues on the membership of OWWA. Those OFWs who missed paying the membership do not have benefits anymore, even though she/he paid her/his membership for many years.

- PDOS orientation is also being questioned due to the hasty and homogenous treatment of the migrant workers. The participants wanted to invite officials from OWWA to explain the various programs and projects for the OFWs and their families.

- OWWA ID must be issued again to lessen the transaction processes.

- Separate office of OWWA is needed so that the OFWs and their families know where to go in case of emergency or in need.

- Records of the OFW must be consolidated to monitor their situations.

- Strengthening the OFW organizations in San Jose must be done and come up with programs and projects like scholarships and request for trainings on livelihood to encourage the members to participate in activities of the organization and of OWWA.

Presently, the San Jose OFW Association and also the Magsaysay Chapter are being reactivated in the hope of getting benefits from the programs and projects of OWWA to the returning OFWs and their beneficiaries.