FWRCs cared for 1,200 OFWs in 2010

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz yesterday announced that the Philippines ’ Filipino Worker Resource Centers (FWRCs) in 19 posts across the world had cared for a monthly average of 1,200 distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who ran to the FWRCs for refuge in 2010.

Baldoz said the distressed OFWs found safe shelter and a caring home in the FWRCs, this is in line with the thrust of the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) to transform the FWRCs into centers of care and excellence for OFWs.

According to report from the International Labor Affairs Bureau, Baldoz said the Centers provided haven to distressed Filipino workers in foreign countries, many of whom were women and awaiting resolution of their cases and/or approval of their exit documents in the host countries.

To date, there are six Centers in Asia (Hong Kong, Korea, Brunei, Malaysia, Taipei and Singapore), 13 in the Middle East ( Riyadh, Alkhobar, Jeddah, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Kuwait, Libya, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Lebanon and Jordan ), and two in Europe and Americas ( Greece and Saipan).

Last year’s data showed that the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) repatriated only 540 distressed OFWs from January to June 2010.

Repatriation was intensified in the second half of 2010 with 1,015 distressed OFWs sent home following the assumption of office of President Aquino and after Baldoz directed the POLOs to fast track the repatriation of distressed OFWs.

She the DoLE had appropriated P78.8 million for the operations of the Centers in 2010.

“Our POLOs have also been alerted to remain vigilant not only in implementing the development programs for OFWs on site but most especially in providing immediate assistance to OFWs in need,” Baldoz added.

She said that the POLO staff, led by the labor attaché, regularly meet with runaways to provide them counseling services and discuss individually the status of their cases. Skills training classes are also provided to the distressed workers staying at FWRC. Likewise, a 24 – hour ATN mobile hotline is maintained at the Center. Airport assistance is also provided to departing distressed OFWs. –Mina Diaz, Daily Tribune