DOLE to POLOs: Develop clear FAQs for OFWs

In a bid to make overseas Filipino workers understand the laws of their host countries, the Department of Labor and Employment ordered Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) to develop clear “FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)” for them.

DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said the information and education materials must be “clear and understandable” and presented in an FAQ, or question-and-answer, format.

“In pursuit of our reform measure to provide accessible and easily-understood labor information to our workers, our POLOs should prepare information and education materials for our OFWs in a simple FAQ format. This way, our work of providing them expanded protection shall be facilitated,” Baldoz said in an article posted on the DOLE website.

She coursed her order through the International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB), which directly supervises the POLOs.

Baldoz said the material shall be used during the pre-employment, pre-departure, and post-arrival orientation seminars being conducted for OFWs.

The pre-employment and pre-departure orientation seminars are conducted by the POEA and accredited PDOS providers in the country, while the post-arrival service is provided by the POLOs themselves in the OFWs’ countries of destination.

Included in the FAQs, other than information on the laws and regulations, are important values, cultures, and ways of life in the host country, which OFWs should be aware of and understand in relation to their temporary employment.

“The FAQs should also contain, as much as possible and practicable, basic procedures and forms in accessing POLO services. These should also have complete and accurate contact information,” Baldoz said.

She added the FAQs should also be written in English and Tagalog and should be used as the standard instruction and curriculum format during the seminars for OFWs.

It will be similar to the labor education materials that are currently being developed for local workers, Baldoz added.

Baldoz’s order followed an earlier directive to all heads of DOLE attached agencies, bureaus, and services, as well as DOLE regional directors in the Philippines to prepare and develop information materials on all labor laws and related topics in short and simple question-and-answer format for the department’s enhanced labor education program for workers and employers.—TJD/JV, GMANews.TV