A training on Strengthening Labor Migration Programs and Services and Operationalizing Reintegration through Migrant Resource Centers and OFW Helpdesks in Western Visayas, was held, this morning at Nature’s Village Resort in Talisay City.
Governor Bong Lacson welcomed all participants to the event, who are representatives of frontline agencies.
Marie Allyssa Dacasin, National Project Coordinator of the International Labor Organization (ILO)-BRIDGE Project, gave an overview and objectives of the training.
Rex Marlo Varona, National Coordinator of the Safe and Fair Programme, gave a message on behalf of of the ILO during the program.
The training focused on labor migration concepts, gender-responsive service delivery throughout the stages of migration, and the OFW Reintegration Advisor.
Among the objectives of the training is to explain the concepts of labor migration and the relevance of a rights-based approach; elaborate pre-migration concepts, issues, and concerns; explain the rights of women migrant workers and why they’re vulnerable to abuse; explain the importance of gender-responsive and sustainable reintegration and social protection; and facilitate the exchange of information migration practices at the local level.
It is co-organized by the ILO through the BRIDGE and Safe and Fair Programmes in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental, Sub-Committee on International Migration and Development Region VI, Center for Migrant Advocacy, and Migrants Coordinating Group in Western Visayas.
Gov. Lacon said that the activity is a way of giving life to the Fundamental Principles of the State on Social Justice and Human Rights, as enshrined in the Philippine Constitution.
He also said that in the Philippines, while some migration flows are due to the pursuit of professional advancement, most migrations are caused by economic challenges and poverty, and millions of Filipinos choose to work abroad to support their families back home despite the high cost of being away from them.
“It is for this reason that the Provincial Government, conscious of the plight of our OFWs, has initiated programs and will promote and support all initiatives intended to mitigate the impact of the manifold challenges our OFWs are confronted with,” he added.
Earlier, the International Labor Organization (ILO) National Program Coordinators, Migrants Coordinating Group officials, and Migrant Advocacy officials also paid a courtesy visit to Governor Bong Lacson at the Capitol.
