QC inks pact with NGO to strengthen center for OFWs

A resource center will soon be established in Quezon City that will serve as a "one-stop shop" for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

In a statement, the Quezon City government said it has entered into a partnership with the Center for Migrant Advocacy Philippines, Inc (CMA) to establish a Migrant Resource Center (MRC).

The establishment of the MRC is in accordance with Republic Act 8042, as amended by RA 10022, which mandates all local government units to establish an overseas Filipino help desk or kiosk to provide the necessary information on all the processes and aspects of overseas employment.

The MRC in Quezon City was created through City Ordinance 2500-2016 that will cater to the concerns and issues of migration for the OFWs and their families from the process of application for overseas work, pre-departure, and transit to on-site services, re-entry, return, and reintegration.

The city government entered into the partnership through its Public Employment Service Office (QCPESO).

"One-stop-shop ito kasi nandoon na lahat ng serbisyo for migrants sa MRC,"  PESO officer-in-charge Carlo Magno Abella said. "Ang services ng PESO, national agencies like Overseas Workers Welfare Administration at 12 iba pa ay nandoon na rin."

According to the Memorandum of Understanding, PESO will be tasked to collate the data of migrant workers and their families. It will also disseminate information and conduct consultation activities needed for the improvement of programs and services for the OFWs.

The CMA, on the other hand, will take charge of activities to enhance partner organizations and local government units for the establishment of MRC’s, as well as to conduct consultations and information dissemination activities in barangays.

"The fact that we have been having a productive cooperation and partnership with the QC government, nakaka-reach out kami sa mas maraming mga communities," CMA executive director Ellene Sana said.

"It all redounds to ‘yung makatulong tayo at mabawasan ‘yung mga nabibiktima ng human trafficking," she added. —KBK, GMA News