Search for model OFW family

(philstar.com) Updated August 02, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is now accepting nominations for the year’s search for the Model OFW Family of the Year Award (MOFYA).

The award aims to give honor and recognition to outstanding OFW families and promote best practices in achieving success in all aspects of life in the face of overseas migration of one or more members of the household.

In an innovative move to make things easier for OFWs and their families, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has set up the DOLE 2917 Hotline in partnership with Globe for the local workforce and OFWs seeking immediate information on either local and overseas jobs and other relevant updates and services.

For example, for details on the MOFYA and nomination forms, interested parties may call the DOLE 2917 Hotline (press “3” for OWWA) for free using Globe or TM cell phones nationwide. Non-Globe subscribers may dial 02-908-2917 for chargeable calls to the DOLE 2917 Hotline. Nomination period is until Aug. 15.

Aside from the hotline, DOLE has also put up DOLE 2917 Text Services that provides an easier means of reaching DOLE by simply texting DOLE to 2917 or DOLE ASK to 2917. OFWs or their family members may also send their urgent messages to the OWWA 24/7 Text Helpline 0917-TXT-OWWA (or 0917-898-6992).

In support of MOFYA 2009, Globe provided the official MOFYA theme song: Gary V’s “Basta’t Nandyan Kayo,” dedicated to OFW families.

Globe has been a solid supporter of the annual MOFYA search since its first year in 2005 as well as other OWWA programs and projects. This is in line with Globe’s commitment to help uplift the lives of OFWs and their families by providing fast and affordable ways for overseas Pinoys to stay connected to their families and friends in the country.

Wowwwww!!!! I think this is a great way to recognize our outstanding OFWs. Send your nominations now!

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Recruiters vs new ‘low-skilled’ OFW category

INQUIRER.net First Posted 16:07:00 07/07/2009

MANILA, Philippines—Licensed recruiters have expressed strong opposition against the new classification of “low- and semi-skilled” overseas Filipino workers, arguing that the series of series of orders of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration would deter employment of OFWs.

The POEA imposed the additional requirements for the deployment of female OFWs in 33 job categories (except to Canada) and of male OFWs in 11 job types (to Bahrain) with consulting them, said the recruiters under the umbrella organization of the Federated Associations of Manpower Exporters (Fame).

POEA’s new classification, which is aimed at strengthening protection mechanism for OFWs, is contained in Memorandum Circular 5 and 6, dated June 15. The new rules provide that the deployment of OFWs hired under this expanded category will not be processed until the individual employment contracts are verified by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office and authenticated by the Philippine embassy in the host country.

The recruitment industry is already over-regulated, “strangulating the sector with more rules that are not conducive to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s thrust to create more jobs abroad, said federation president Eduardo Mahiya.

“What is the use of all these marketing missions which the President herself attends if after coming home, we, the direct providers of overseas employment opportunities are prevented from deploying more?” he asked.

The recruiters also bewailed the lack of a transition period, especially for job orders already in the pipeline. They said those renewing their job orders would also be affected.“The MCs were issued last June 15 and implemented right away (July 1). It was formulated without due consultation, and there is not even a transition period to allow the stakeholders to prepare,” he said.

The new rules would result in a maze of forms and certifications from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (Owwa), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda), labor attaches, valid visas/work permits, individual employment contracts, said recruitment consultant Emmanuel Geslani.

These would frustrate foreign recruitment offices, especially in the Middle East, 40 percent of whose deployment are under these categories, he said, foreseeing a massive drop in deployment starting the third quarter of 2009. [Veronica Uy]

Hmmm.....any comments?

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Honest OFW returns home

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:53:00 07/10/2009

BAMBANG, NUEVA VIZCAYA -- She collected scraps from garbage bins to survive in Hong Kong, but she came home in Barangay (village) Aliaga here on Wednesday with gifts for her neighbors and a movie contract about her honesty.

Mildred Perez Bonde, 38, a Filipino domestic helper in Hong Kong who won praises for returning P2.1 million in cash and checks which she found in a garbage heap, came home to a hero’s welcome from her family members, relatives and village mates.

She said a company was interested to produce a movie about her life story and has offered her a P5-million contract.

If the movie becomes successful, she said she would donate P1 million to this farming village, 7 kilometers from the town proper.

Bonde, who was accompanied by officials of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration from Manila, was awarded a certificate by village officials for her honesty.

United Methodist Church ministers also celebrated a thanksgiving Mass for her.
Residents and officials, led by Bambang Mayor Benjamin Cuaresma and Nueva Vizcaya Governor Luisa Cuaresma, joined Bonde and her family in a get-together lunch.

Cuaresma said Bonde uplifted the image of Filipinos in Hong Kong “who are often verbally maltreated by wealthy Chinese businessmen.”

“I noticed this when I was in Hong Kong. Because of Mildred’s good deed, we can overcome this discrimination. It really pays to be good,” Cuaresma said.

Danilo Barroga, village chief of Aliaga, said they were proud of Bonde’s honesty.
Bonde recalled that when she was a child, she was scolded by her father for taking labong (bamboo shoots) without permission from their neighbor. Ben Moses Ebreo, Inquirer Northern Luzon

This is very inspiring news, not just for OFWs but for the whole Philippines as well. We need more people like Mildred Bonde. She uplifts the image of Filipinos all over the world with just one kind gesture. Honesty, still is, the best policy.

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