WATCH. 2021 Migrant Workers Day celebration held at the Capitol Social Hall spearheaded by OWWA and the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental.
“Our OFWs range from health workers to service providers all over the world; the Filipino migrant workers have become worldwide frontliners in this pandemic,” said Gov. Lacson during the 2021 Migrant Workers Day celebration held at the Capitol Social Hall, this morning.
The day’s activity, attended by Negrense OFWs from different cities and towns of the province, was facilitated by Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental.
A total of 35 Negrense OFWs were given financial assistance worth P20,000 each under the Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay (BPBH) Program and Sa Pinas Ikaw ang Ma’am at Sir (SPIMS) Program.
The OFWs also received gift packs from OWWA and from Voice of the Free Foundation, respectively.
Gov. Lacson said that with the Migrant Workers Day celebration, the provincial government acknowledges the contribution of migrant workers to the economy and honor their sacrifices.
“Right now, we have thousands of distressed migrant workers all over the world; thousands are losing jobs abroad and are stranded. COVID-19 exposed anew the inequalities among societies and countries, thus the call for global solidarity in handling the difficulties and complications faced by migrant workers all over the world,” said the governor.
Gov. Lacson also said that he understands that times are hard, but he is also a believer of the indomitable Negrense spirit, and hopes that the reintegration and livelihood undertaking for self-employment give migrant workers a fresh start.
“Our present time is indeed one of global crisis, but it is also an opportunity not just to start anew, but also a window to explore and try the possibility of success, not in some countries, but in our very own. Your provincial government is here to support you,” he added.
Also present in the activity were Salvacion Barrios, president of the OFW – Negros Occidental Federation, Inc., Rizza Joy Moldes, OIC OWWA Region VI, Marie June Castro, Executive Assistant to the Governor, and Ana Lim of the Negros Occ. Provincial Planning and Development Office who is also the OFW Focal Designate.
