22 December 2016 – In the Department and Social Welfare and Development’s oath to determine the status of returning overseas Filipinos in distress, the DFA RCO La Union’s Officer-In-Charge, Estellita V. Casuga, participated in the Assembly Cum Consultation-Dialogue for the OFWs and Their Families which was initiated by DSWD RO I under the leadership of Regional Director Marcelo Nicomedes J. Castillo held on December 19 at the Sea and Sky Hotel and Restaurant, City of San Fernando, La Union.

The purposes of the Consultation-Dialogue were to determine the status and the value of social welfare services extended to the OFWs and their families; to gather recommendations for policy and program development/enhancement in addressing the needs of OFWs and their families and to identify areas where synergies are best maximized.

About 140 returning OFWs in distress attended the said Consultation-Dialogue who presented their overseas employment concerns on unpaid salaries and benefits, no overtime fees, change of contract upon arrival at host country, legal fees and other related issues. They were assisted by the Field Offices, Local Government Units (LGU), and the Government and Non-Government Units to the said Consultation.

Senior Officer of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) in Region I, Mr. Romeo Jaramilla, discussed on the responsibilities of every OFW prior, during and after migration similar to those discussed to them by POEA and OWWA as well as other concerned government agencies during the Pre-departure and Post Arrival Orientation Seminars of OFWs.

RCO La Union’s Officer-In-Charge, Estellita V. Casuga, discussed on the Assistance-To-Nationals services of DFA and answered queries relating to OFWs legal cases.

Ms. Roda Nilda Placida R. Lee of OWWA Region I informed on the services of OWWA particularly the OFWs benefits upon return from work, scholarship for children, financial assistance and local employment program.

DSWD Social Welfare and Technical Officer, Ms. Perlita V. Panganiban, responded and explained on the other concerns of the groups from Eastern Pangasinan, Central Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Sur, Migrante La Union and Migrante Ilocos Sur.

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Officer, Ms. Susan May G. Lorenzana presented the programs and services of TESDA to OFWs. END