New program for local OFWs launched
LINGAYEN–The provincial government launched ‘Bantay-Barangay, Tulong-Hanapbuhay’ to protect local job seekers against illegal recruiters and from human traffickers.
The program was launched after Gov. Amado T. Espino directed the creation of the Pangasinan Migration and Development Council (PMDC) by executive fiat.
Established by Executive Order No. 0021-2014 signed by Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. last April, the council is mandated to formulate policies and strategies to guide the Pangasinan OFW Task Force.
The program will address illegal recruitment and human trafficking issues, strengthen networking among agencies and enhancement of capabilities of OFWs and their families.
Provincial Administrator Rafael F. Baraan, council chair, cited the urgency of educating Pangasinan OFWs in order to protect them from human traffickers and the need to empower them as entrepreneurs upon their return.
“Giving them an opportunity to become entrepreneurs in their community will help them realize that there are other best investment options than a sari-sari store,” he said. “In this way, they could be our partners in poverty alleviation.”
Meanwhile, PESO Manager Alex Ferrer said the OFW Mapping Questionnaire has been designed to track overseas workers including migrants to develop the database for the ‘Bantay-Barangay, Tulong-Hanapbuhay’ program.
The program will organize seminars and skills training on entrepreneurship, livelihood and business support services, financial management, values enhancement and capabilities, employment facilitation and discussions on anti-illegal recruitment and human trafficking campaign.
The council is composed of DOLE, POEA, OWWA, DTI, Commission of Filipino Overseas, Provincial Planning Development Office, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, Provincial Information Office, ECOP-Pangasinan Chapter, Pangasinan Federation of NGOs, and Pangasinan OFW Family Federation.
Board Members Ranjit Shahani and Angel M. Baniqued, Jr. serve as advisers of the council. (PIO)
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