07 July 2016 – The Philippine Consulate General in Milan continues to cement relations with OFW Watch Italy with the conduct of a constructive dialogue held at the Consulate last July 03.

Consul General Marichu Mauro was joined by Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Officer Jocelyn Hapal, Social Security Systen (SSS) Representative Wilma Ortiz, and Pag-IBIG Representative Brigitte Mahor. The meeting was a follow up to the meeting on March 12 in Bologna.

OFW Watch is composed of 117 Filipino organizations based all over Italy including groups from Milan, Bologna, Torino, Modena, Parma, and Rome.

Consul General Mauro expressed her appreciation for OFW Watch’s efforts to cement ties with the Consulate and urged the group to foster deeper partnership with the Consulate by identifying areas where they could collaborate to provide better and wider services to the Filipinos in Italy.

OWWA concerns were also addressed in an informative and comprehensive manner including a briefing on the provisions of the OWWA Act signed on May 10, 2016. SSS and Pag-IBIG representatives encouraged the group in availing privileges and benefits accorded to members of these institutions.

The dialogue with OFW Watch was conducted in a cordial, open and constructive manner promising to further improve the cooperation between the organization and the Consulate. Consul General Mauro hosted lunch after the dialogue.  END