GOV. LACSON: WE ARE THE FIRST PROVINCE TO PARTNER WITH ILO IN ESTABLISHING GENDER-RESPONSIVE MIGRANT RESOURCE CENTER

The Province of Negros Occidental is the first province in the country to partner with the International Labor Organization and the Center for Migrant Advocacy for a 22-month project entitled, “Establishing and Institutionalizing a Gender-Responsive Migrant Resource Center Help Desks and Services for Women Migrant Workers in the Province of Negros Occidental”.

Governor Bong Lacson highlighted this achievement today at the celebration of OFW Family Day 2022, which was organized by the Bago City Federation of OFW.

The project, which was carried out in collaboration with the OFW Negros Occidental Federation and the Center for Migrant Advocacy, is part of the UN Women and European Union Spotlight Initiative, as well as the International Labor Organization’s Safe and Fair Programme in the ASEAN Region.

Gov. Lacson said that the day’s celebration acknowledges not just the contribution of migrant workers to the country’s economy, but also honor their sacrifices.

The activity held at Brgy. Tabunan Covered Court, was also graced by Bago City Mayor Nicholas Yulo, OWWA Regional Director Amy Crisostomo, OWWA Programs and Services Division Chief, Rizza Joy Moldes, OWWA NRCO Officer, Dave Saturnino, OFW Negros Occ. Federation, Inc. (ONOFI) president, Salvacion Barrios, Executive Assistant to the Governor, Marie June Castro, and Anabel Mateo, president of Bago City Federation of OFW Family Circle, among others.

The governor also reported some of the efforts done by the provincial government to mitigate the impact of the manifold challenges confronted by the OFWs.

He said that for the years 2020 – 2021, the province distributed financial assistance to distressed OFWs and to the families of OFWs who died abroad due to COVID-19.Additionally, “Cash for Work” were provided for more than 900 OFWs, and there were Psychological Counselling workshop for distressed OFWs and OFW/Family Circles and leaders of LGU federations, and college scholarship for children on non-returning OFWs.

“The institutionalization of overseas employment by the Philippine Government started as a measure to ease increasing unemployment in the country, and it has since then become a vital part of our national development strategy,” he said.

“May we not waiver in our goal to address the multi faceted concerns of the Negrense migrant workers”, he added.

The activity is themed, “Bagonhon OFW Rising Above the Challenges”.