Marcos wants digital contracts, OECs for OFWs

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Monday directed the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to prioritize the automation of contracts of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

Aside from the automated contracts, Marcos said in his fist State of the Nation Address that he also wants OFWs to have Overseas Employment Certifications (OECs) in their mobile phones.

The President said he wants to further protect the welfare of Filipinos working abroad by cutting the bureaucratic red tape.

"Gagawin natin ito sa pamamagitan ng pag-aalis ng red tape sa sistema at pagsusulong ng digital empowerment," Marcos said.

"We shall automate the verification of contracts and issue secure Overseas Employment Certifications (OEC) that you can keep on your smartphone. I call on the Department of Migrant Workers and the DICT to make this a top priority," he added.

Further, Marcos called on the Department of Foreign Affairs to assist the DMW in ensuring that those OFWs who lost their jobs in the previous years will find new employment opportunities.

He also aims to shorten the processing of requirements and documents of Filipinos who wish to work abroad.

"Mula sa tatlong buwan ay gagawin na lamang nating tatlong linggo para sa isang dayuhang employer na i-proseso ang mga papeles ng Filipinong nais nitong kunin bilang empleyado," Marcos said.

Moreover, the President wants the handbook, stating the regulations for OFWs,  be simplified. — RSJ, GMA News