Negros Occidental Gov. Bong Lacson joined the opening ceremonies of the two-day Overseas Filipinos Migrant Fair in Negros Occidental held at SMX Convention Center in Bacolod City, today, attended by OFWs and migrant workers in the province.

Gov. Lacson said that the Provincial Government understands the plight of OFWs and has initiated programs to mitigate the impact of the manifold challenges that migrant workers confront.

Among the said programs are Cash for Work projects, Psychological Counselling Workshops, college scholarships for children of non-returning OFWs, and degree completion scholarships for OFWs, among others.

The province has also partnered with the International Labor Organization and the Center for Migrant Advocacy for various projects, in coordination with the OFW Negros Occidental Federation, all for the benefit of migrant workers and their families.

The governor thanked the stakeholders, government agencies and non-government organizations for providing relevant programs and services to Negrense migrant workers and for their dedication to the welfare of OFWs.

Present at the activity were Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez, Carmelita Nuqui, president of the Philippine Migrants Rights Watch, Atty. Alma Royandoyan – Alli, head executive assistant of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, Dept. of Health 6 Regional Director Dr. Adriano Suba-an, Dept. of Trade and Industry (DTI) Negros Occ. OIC Provincial Director Lynna Joy Cardinal, and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Region 6 Director Rizza Joy Moldes.

The participants availed of the services of the participating government agencies such as Dept. of Foreign Affairs, SSS, PhilHealth, TESDA, Dept. of Labor and Employment, Pag-IBIG Fund, and Dept. of Health, among others, as part of the fair. #AbanseNegrense#OFW#migrantfair#migrantworkers