28 November 2016 — DFA Regional Consular Office (RCO) in La Union participated in the Overseas Workers Welfare Association (OWWA) Seminar-Workshop for the migrant service institutional partners – the Local Government Units (LGU) OFW/Migrant Desk Officers and OFW Leaders from the municipalities of Abra and Baguio City at Metro Vigan Fiesta Hotel from November 16 to 18 and Bantay, Ilocos Sur and Marand Resort on November 23 to 25.

The seminar was initiated by OWWA- Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) under the leadership of OIC/Regional Director Evelyn C. Laranang with the aim of enhancing the competency in rendering desk services to OFWs and their next-of-kin.

The seminar honed the participants’ skills in the management of OFW cases in coordination with DFA, OWWA, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).  The seminar updated the participants on the new laws, rules and regulations, policies, programs and services for OFW’s and their families.

Officer-In-Charge, Ms. Estellita V. Casuga, of RCO La Union was one of the Resource Speakers. She talked about ‘In-Country and On-Site Services for OFWs: Case Handling and Management.’ She was also one of the critics during Workshop & Role Playing on OFW Case Management.

Ms. Casuga presented an overview of the Assistance to Nationals programs and services of   the Department of Foreign Affairs through its Office of Migrant Workers Affairs, Satellite Offices, Regional Consular Offices, and various Embassies and Consulates on the protections of the rights and the promotion of the welfare of Filipino migrants as well as the provision of consular and legal assistance to Filipinos in distress.

Retired OIC of POEA Regional Center for Luzon, Ms. Delfina M. Camarillo, discussed ‘An Understanding the Overseas Employment Program and the Salient Features of Enabling Laws for Welfare’ and ‘Protection of OFWs including Government Agencies Providing Services to OFWs.’

OIC/Regional Director Laranang together with OWWA Officers, Ms. Dina C. Ponciano, Ms. Liezl T. Felix and Ms. Floribel C. Sales delivered detailed discussions on the topics: ‘OWW Programs & Services, Welfare Case Management,’ and ‘Review on the Responsibilities of OWWA & LGU on the Establishment of OFW/Migrant Desk and the Challenges for LGUs & Other Service Partners in Various OFW Programs.’

The LGU OFW/Migrant Desks Officers and OFW Leaders embarked on the Planning Workshop by formulating Municipal Action Plans for OFWs, and thereafter, presented the LGU’s respective Municipal Action Plan for OFWs. END