PH Embassy Engages Filipino Teachers in Maryland, Washington

Filipino teachers from Maryland and Washington, D.C. gather at the Philippine Embassy in Washington’s Carlos P. Romulo Hall on 03 November 2018 for a meet-and-greet with Embassy officials. (Washington, D.C. PE photo)

WASHINGTON, D.C. 07 November 2018 – The Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Washington, D.C. (POLO-WDC) organized a town hall meeting with Filipino teachers from Maryland and Washington, D.C. at the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C.'s Carlos P. Romulo Hall on 03 November 2018.

The gathering is the third of the meet-and-greet series launched by POLO-WDC this year to provide Filipino workers an avenue to raise their concerns as well as to inform them about the programs and activities being undertaken by the Embassy, including those being rendered by the consular section and attached agencies.

The teachers expressed their support for POLO-WDC’s programs, including the campaign against trafficking of Filipino teachers in the United States. Other issues raised by the teachers were the exorbitant fees and other unethical practices of recruitment agencies in the Philippines.

The first part of the program is a financial orientation seminar facilitated by TRANSAMERICA Financial Advisors Inc. representative Marinela Alvero, who briefed the teachers on issues such as retirement income, healthcare costs, strategies on lowering taxes, and assets management.

Following the orientation is a dialogue led by Embassy’s Consul General Renato Pedro O. Villa, Labor Attaché Angela Librado-Trinidad, and Welfare Officer Josephine Tobia, where the teachers learned more about Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) and POLO-Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) services. 

In his speech, Consul General Villa underscored the importance of taking advantage of social security programs provided by the Philippine government.

The Consul General said that while the contribution of the Filipino teachers to both the Filipino Community and the American schools they are currently serving is beyond question, the teachers must also secure their retirement through Pag-IBIG Fund, Social Security System and other social service institutions in the Philippines.

Welfare Officer Josephine Tobia likewise reminded the teachers to renew their membership with the OWWA, and briefed them about the newly launched E-card program.

In his speech, Ambassador to Washington. Jose Manuel G. Romualdez lauded the work ethic of Filipinos, especially Filipino teachers, in America.

“People like you are what gives the Filipino a very good image. You continue with what you are doing not only because you teach here in the United States but because you give your home country the kind of image that we would always like to have,” Ambassador Romualdez said.

“I hope that you will continue to do what you are doing. Always remember that our country is always our country and that no one will take it away from us,” the Ambassador further added.

Prior to the meet and greet with the teachers, POLO-WDC met with Filipino workers that are holders of A2, A3, and G5 visas, as well as foreign placement and staffing agencies on 22 September and 12 October 2018, respectively. END

Labor Attaché Angela Librado-Trinidad, Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez, and Consul General Renato Pedro O. Villa fields various questions at the open forum session with the teachers. (Washington, D.C. PE photo)

Welfare Officer Josephine Tobia chats with Mr. Simon Castor Jr. and wife Louienyl prior to the start of the official program. (Washington, D.C. PE photo)

Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez shares a light moment with the teachers at the conclusion of the formal program. (Washington, D.C. PE photo)

For more information, visit www.washingtonpe.dfa.gov.ph / www.philippineembassy-usa.org or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinUSA @philippinesusa on Twitter.