The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has begun efforts for the implementation of the labor agreements with western Canadian provinces, that will provide Filipino workers greater access to employment opportunities in Canada.
Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito D. Roque issued Administrative Order No. 303, series of 2008, creating a composite team tasked to work out mechanisms for the implementation of the memoranda of understanding (MOU) which the DOLE entered into with the Canadian provinces of Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Manitoba to strengthen areas of cooperation with the Philippines in the employment and deployment of Filipino workers to these parts of Canada.
The DOLE forged the MOUs with the provincial governments of Saskatchewan in December 2007 and British Columbia and Manitoba early this year. It is scheduled to enter into a similar agreement with the Canadian province of Alberta this month.
Roque said the DOLE team has been directed to address urgent concerns affecting the employment of Filipino workers to Canada in areas provided for in the MOUs such as ethical recruitment, human resource development (HRD), training and credentials recognition, and workers protection.
The team is headed by Undersecretary Luzviminda Padilla with technical representatives from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), and the DOLE Canadian Desk as members.
He said the MOUs specifically provide for an ethical, orderly, and expeditious recruitment and deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Canada, non-collection of placement fees, protection of OFWs' rights and welfare, and for the provinces to encourage employers to support HRD efforts for OFWs and the reintegration of returning OFWs to the Philippines.
He added that the DOLE team, pursuant to the MOUs, shall exert efforts towards the setting up of the Philippines-Canada joint consultative council or working committee in a bid to ensure the implementation of the MOUs' provisions.
"The successful implementation of the MOUs would pave the way for many skilled OFWs to find better-paying and more quality employment that ensures ample protection of their rights and welfare in Canada," the DOLE Chief said.
He said the team shall specifically discuss recruitment guidelines with the respective government representatives of the Canadian provinces particularly on procedures and requirements for hiring workers under the temporary workers and the provincial nominee programs involving government and private employers in Canada.
The team shall also explore talks on HRD to provide for Filipino-Canadian cooperation in skills training and upgrading of Filipino workers, Roque said adding the DOLE has already drafted an HRD framework upon which the talks would be based.
The DOLE team shall likewise endeavor to address kinks in credential recognition affecting Filipino nurses and other professionals and trades people. It shall also determine each province's skills requirement to facilitate skills matching, training, and employment of Filipino workers in the provinces of Canada.
Talks on skills certification and training program of Saskatchewan and training collaboration with other western Canadian provinces shall also be explored. At the same time, the DOLE team shall start discussions on the extension of the MOU with Saskatchewan, which is due to expire on December 2008.
source: Information and Publication Service
http://www.dole.gov.ph/news/details.asp?id=N000002243
Showing posts with label DOLE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DOLE. Show all posts
Sep 3, 2008
DOLE goes ZAP; develops safety and health program for Hanjin workers
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has developed an occupational safety and health (OSH) action program for the shipbuilding facility of Hanjin Heavy Industries Corp.- Philippines (HHIC-Phil.) at Subic Bay Freeport aimed at ensuring occupational health and safety (OSH) and preventing fatal accidents at the Hanjin worksite.
Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito D. Roque said the program would assist HHIC-Phil. in developing an OSH system geared towards the implementation of a plant-level zero accident program (ZAP) at its worksite within the shortest possible time.
Roque said the program was formulated by the DOLE team consisting of the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC), Bureau of Working Conditions (BWC), and the DOLE-Region 3 office in San Fernando City, Pampanga with Undersecretary Lourdes Trasmonte as chair.
The DOLE Chief formed the team to address the safety concerns of Hanjin following the series of accidents at its worksite that had killed 17 workers since 2007.
He said the team conducted a workplace safety and health assessment at Hanjin and subsequently devised the OSH action program in a bid to correct hazardous practices, ensure compliance to OSH standards, and put a stop to fatal accidents at the shipbuilding facility.
He said the program recommended the conduct of mandatory safety training courses which began last month with Hanjin workers and subcontractors as initial participants in construction safety training. Another OSH appreciation courses are being conducted this week for participants from the shipbuilding section.
Roque said all the participants are required to come up with re-entry plans for integration in their OSH programs adding the re-entry plans would be necessary in the development of the ZAP program for Hanjin.
" We aim for zero accident at Hanjin," Roque said as he urged Hanjin management and workers to build a workplace culture that gives prime importance on full obedience to safe practices and regulations.
The DOLE OSH action program also recommended the setting up of an OSH committee, which will be in charge of developing and implementing the ZAP program. It also asked Hanjin to institute a system that would correct, update, and disseminate information on potential hazards and risks to its workers especially the newly hired ones.
http://www.dole.gov.ph/news/details.asp?id=N000002242
Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito D. Roque said the program would assist HHIC-Phil. in developing an OSH system geared towards the implementation of a plant-level zero accident program (ZAP) at its worksite within the shortest possible time.
Roque said the program was formulated by the DOLE team consisting of the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC), Bureau of Working Conditions (BWC), and the DOLE-Region 3 office in San Fernando City, Pampanga with Undersecretary Lourdes Trasmonte as chair.
The DOLE Chief formed the team to address the safety concerns of Hanjin following the series of accidents at its worksite that had killed 17 workers since 2007.
He said the team conducted a workplace safety and health assessment at Hanjin and subsequently devised the OSH action program in a bid to correct hazardous practices, ensure compliance to OSH standards, and put a stop to fatal accidents at the shipbuilding facility.
He said the program recommended the conduct of mandatory safety training courses which began last month with Hanjin workers and subcontractors as initial participants in construction safety training. Another OSH appreciation courses are being conducted this week for participants from the shipbuilding section.
Roque said all the participants are required to come up with re-entry plans for integration in their OSH programs adding the re-entry plans would be necessary in the development of the ZAP program for Hanjin.
" We aim for zero accident at Hanjin," Roque said as he urged Hanjin management and workers to build a workplace culture that gives prime importance on full obedience to safe practices and regulations.
The DOLE OSH action program also recommended the setting up of an OSH committee, which will be in charge of developing and implementing the ZAP program. It also asked Hanjin to institute a system that would correct, update, and disseminate information on potential hazards and risks to its workers especially the newly hired ones.
http://www.dole.gov.ph/news/details.asp?id=N000002242
Aug 30, 2008
NGOs, OFWs to highlight RP’s agenda on migrants’ protection at Global Migration Forum
Key non-government organizations (NGOs), overseas Filipino workers (OFWs),and civil society groups will highlight the Philippines' efforts to strengthen migrants' protection and address the social costs of migration as the country prepares to host a major global event, the United Nations' (UN) 2nd Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) with the conduct of a parallel event in October this year, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) today said.
Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito D. Roque said that the effort initiated by the groups in linkage with the government, is consistent with the initiative of the global forum to promote best practices in migration and strengthen the welfare and protection of the world's estimated 200 million migrants.
Roque said the 2nd GFMD to be held in Manila in October this year will be participated in by top and senior labor officials from 180 different countries.
He stressed that the selection of the Philippines as host of the said event underscores the recognition of the country's productive role in the deployment of more than one million OFWs annually in more than 190 economies worldwide and its vigorous efforts to promote migrant's rights and protection.
He said the selection of the Philippines as the host of the 2nd GFMD following its global inaugural session attended by about 1,000 government and civil society representatives from 156 countries last year affirmed the country's prevailing leadership role in the global initiative.
The labor Chief had been apprised by the DOLE's Global Forum on Migration and Development (GMFD) Task Force that a "Global Forum Parallel Event" will be staged by three NGOs and OFW groups in partnership with key agencies, particularly the DOLE, the Department of Trade and Industry, and the Department of Tourism.
Simultaneous with the GFMD, the parallel event, spearheaded by Atikha (an NGO dedicated to the provision of economic and social services to OFWs and their families), the Philippine Consortium on Migration and Development, and the OFW Caucus, would be held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) from October 26 to 29, 2008.
The program would include the following highlights: (October 26) Awarding of Best Practices on Migration and Development Initiatives of NGOs, Local Government Units and other groups; Memorandum of Agreement Signing with 10 Provincial Governors and City Mayors on the Piloting Program on Leveraging Resources for Development; Awarding of Winners of Program on Mobilizing Diaspora Philanthropy; and Launching of OFW-funded products; (October 27) Set up of booths highlighting OFW Funded Enterprises; (October 28 and 29) Exhibit of Best Practices on Migration and Development Initiatives of Government, NGOs, and Overseas Filipino organizations, and; Exhibit of Products and Services of OFW-owned enterprises.
At the same time, Migration and Development Trade and Tourism will be in focus from October 20 to November 2007, and at various tentative schedules, the sharing of experiences will be made by key speakers on issues/developments such as Feminization of Migration and Addressing the Social Cost of Migration; Strategic Philanthropy and Resource Mobilization; Pooling and Leveraging Diaspora Resources for Development; Financial Literacy and Diaspora Savings and Investment; and Social Investing.
Roque said that as part of the preparations for the forthcoming 2nd GFMD in the Philippines in October, the DOLE-GFMD Task Force had recently convened and tackled the proposed parallel event together with the inputs and recommendations of the Department of Foreign Affairs represented by Undersecretary Enrique Manalo and Assistant Secretary Evan Garcia; the Anti-Money Laundering Council; Philippine Institute for Development Studies; Commission on Filipinos Overseas; the Department of Social Welfare and Development; the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women; and PhilHealth.
The DOLE-GMFD Task Force, which is actively undertaking the preparations for the country's successful hosting of the GFMD, is headed by Executive Director Ciriaco A. Lagunzad III of the National Wages and Productivity Commission with Deputy Executive Director Merliza M. Makinano of the Institute of Labor Studies, who recently represented the Philippines in the First annual Transatlantic Forum on Migration and Integration sponsored by the German Marshall Fund of the United States, as Vice Head; and with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, the DFA, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and other key DOLE and government agencies, represented.
http://www.dole.gov.ph/news/details.asp?id=N000002241
Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito D. Roque said that the effort initiated by the groups in linkage with the government, is consistent with the initiative of the global forum to promote best practices in migration and strengthen the welfare and protection of the world's estimated 200 million migrants.
Roque said the 2nd GFMD to be held in Manila in October this year will be participated in by top and senior labor officials from 180 different countries.
He stressed that the selection of the Philippines as host of the said event underscores the recognition of the country's productive role in the deployment of more than one million OFWs annually in more than 190 economies worldwide and its vigorous efforts to promote migrant's rights and protection.
He said the selection of the Philippines as the host of the 2nd GFMD following its global inaugural session attended by about 1,000 government and civil society representatives from 156 countries last year affirmed the country's prevailing leadership role in the global initiative.
The labor Chief had been apprised by the DOLE's Global Forum on Migration and Development (GMFD) Task Force that a "Global Forum Parallel Event" will be staged by three NGOs and OFW groups in partnership with key agencies, particularly the DOLE, the Department of Trade and Industry, and the Department of Tourism.
Simultaneous with the GFMD, the parallel event, spearheaded by Atikha (an NGO dedicated to the provision of economic and social services to OFWs and their families), the Philippine Consortium on Migration and Development, and the OFW Caucus, would be held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) from October 26 to 29, 2008.
The program would include the following highlights: (October 26) Awarding of Best Practices on Migration and Development Initiatives of NGOs, Local Government Units and other groups; Memorandum of Agreement Signing with 10 Provincial Governors and City Mayors on the Piloting Program on Leveraging Resources for Development; Awarding of Winners of Program on Mobilizing Diaspora Philanthropy; and Launching of OFW-funded products; (October 27) Set up of booths highlighting OFW Funded Enterprises; (October 28 and 29) Exhibit of Best Practices on Migration and Development Initiatives of Government, NGOs, and Overseas Filipino organizations, and; Exhibit of Products and Services of OFW-owned enterprises.
At the same time, Migration and Development Trade and Tourism will be in focus from October 20 to November 2007, and at various tentative schedules, the sharing of experiences will be made by key speakers on issues/developments such as Feminization of Migration and Addressing the Social Cost of Migration; Strategic Philanthropy and Resource Mobilization; Pooling and Leveraging Diaspora Resources for Development; Financial Literacy and Diaspora Savings and Investment; and Social Investing.
Roque said that as part of the preparations for the forthcoming 2nd GFMD in the Philippines in October, the DOLE-GFMD Task Force had recently convened and tackled the proposed parallel event together with the inputs and recommendations of the Department of Foreign Affairs represented by Undersecretary Enrique Manalo and Assistant Secretary Evan Garcia; the Anti-Money Laundering Council; Philippine Institute for Development Studies; Commission on Filipinos Overseas; the Department of Social Welfare and Development; the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women; and PhilHealth.
The DOLE-GMFD Task Force, which is actively undertaking the preparations for the country's successful hosting of the GFMD, is headed by Executive Director Ciriaco A. Lagunzad III of the National Wages and Productivity Commission with Deputy Executive Director Merliza M. Makinano of the Institute of Labor Studies, who recently represented the Philippines in the First annual Transatlantic Forum on Migration and Integration sponsored by the German Marshall Fund of the United States, as Vice Head; and with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, the DFA, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and other key DOLE and government agencies, represented.
http://www.dole.gov.ph/news/details.asp?id=N000002241
Aug 26, 2008
DOLE advises OFWs on UAE rules concerning passports
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) today advised overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) seeking or returning to their jobs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to check on the validity of their passports to avoid delay, which could adversely affect their employment in the Emirates.
Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito D. Roque said the UAE government has issued new rules concerning the validity of passports of expatriates and visitors in the Emirates.
In line with the rules, Roque said the Philippine passport must be valid for not less than six months if the OFWs have no UAE residence permit. If the OFWs hold a UAE special entry permit or an employment visa, their Philippine passports must be valid for not less than three months.
The DOLE Chief said that without valid passports, OFWs will not be granted a UAE entry permit or entry visa, which they need in order to enter the emirates and also return to the home country or any country, which issued their passports.
An entry visa indicates the approval to be made on the OFW or visitor's passport/ travel document, allowing him or her to enter the UAE. This visa can be issued by a UAE embassy or consulate in the country of the person who is applying for the entry visa. It can also be issued by the Naturalization and Residency Department in the UAE.
An entry permit is a special document issued to expatriates allowing them to enter UAE. It is issued only by the Emirates' Naturalization and Residency Department.
Roque said OFWs working in the UAE whether alone or accompanied by their families should follow the rules set by the UAE government concerning visas and entry permits to avoid problems that may hinder their jobs in the Emirates.
He told the OFWs to ensure that their passports are valid adding that those with expiring passports may apply for renewal with the Department of Foreign Affairs in Pasay City or at the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
http://www.dole.gov.ph/news/details.asp?id=N000002239
Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito D. Roque said the UAE government has issued new rules concerning the validity of passports of expatriates and visitors in the Emirates.
In line with the rules, Roque said the Philippine passport must be valid for not less than six months if the OFWs have no UAE residence permit. If the OFWs hold a UAE special entry permit or an employment visa, their Philippine passports must be valid for not less than three months.
The DOLE Chief said that without valid passports, OFWs will not be granted a UAE entry permit or entry visa, which they need in order to enter the emirates and also return to the home country or any country, which issued their passports.
An entry visa indicates the approval to be made on the OFW or visitor's passport/ travel document, allowing him or her to enter the UAE. This visa can be issued by a UAE embassy or consulate in the country of the person who is applying for the entry visa. It can also be issued by the Naturalization and Residency Department in the UAE.
An entry permit is a special document issued to expatriates allowing them to enter UAE. It is issued only by the Emirates' Naturalization and Residency Department.
Roque said OFWs working in the UAE whether alone or accompanied by their families should follow the rules set by the UAE government concerning visas and entry permits to avoid problems that may hinder their jobs in the Emirates.
He told the OFWs to ensure that their passports are valid adding that those with expiring passports may apply for renewal with the Department of Foreign Affairs in Pasay City or at the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
http://www.dole.gov.ph/news/details.asp?id=N000002239
Aug 10, 2008
OFWs, travelers to Saudi Arabia told to declare cash, jewelry worth over SR60,000
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) today advised overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and other travelers to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to declare upon arrival and departure cash, precious metals or jewelry worth over SR 60,000 (Saudi Riyals) or US$16,000 to avoid confiscation or legal penalties.
Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito D. Roque issued the advisory upon receiving a communication from the Saudi Embassy in Manila on the matter.
Roque said the Saudi government has enjoined all travelers to their country to strictly follow Saudi Arabia's Customs Department rule on the declaration of cash, transferable monetary instruments or precious metals and jewelry exceeding SR60,000 or its equivalent in foreign currency to customs officials upon arrival or departure.
The labor secretary, quoting a statement from the communication, said the main purpose of the declaration was to prevent "money laundering and some forms of terrorist funding."
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has intensified its efforts to combat money laundering at the national, regional and international levels, the statement said.
"The Kingdom is among the first few countries, which gave special attention to counter money laundering by committing to and complying with many rules and international conventions," said Finance Minister Ibrahim Al-Assaf in a statement.
The filing of the declaration was in accordance with Article 14 of the Anti-Money Laundering Law of the Kingdom and "those who do not declare the precious metals and jewelry they possess while leaving the Kingdom have to pay customs duty on them on their return," the statement said.
The statement said declaration forms are available at all of the Kingdom's entry points, including airports and seaports. Passengers should write their names, passport numbers and addresses in Saudi Arabia. They should also state their country of origin and destination, flight numbers, the type of currency they are carrying, the total amount in Saudi riyals, the value of precious metals in Saudi riyals, their source and the purpose of carrying them.
The DOLE has noted that most of the OFWs in the Kingdom are fond of buying precious metals and jewelry for "pasalubong" or for "investment purposes" and it would be to their best interest if they were made aware of this latest developments.
The Labor Chief has called on all concerned sectors, including the media, to help in disseminating the information to OFWs and the traveling public.
http://www.dole.gov.ph/news/details.asp?id=N000002233
Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito D. Roque issued the advisory upon receiving a communication from the Saudi Embassy in Manila on the matter.
Roque said the Saudi government has enjoined all travelers to their country to strictly follow Saudi Arabia's Customs Department rule on the declaration of cash, transferable monetary instruments or precious metals and jewelry exceeding SR60,000 or its equivalent in foreign currency to customs officials upon arrival or departure.
The labor secretary, quoting a statement from the communication, said the main purpose of the declaration was to prevent "money laundering and some forms of terrorist funding."
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has intensified its efforts to combat money laundering at the national, regional and international levels, the statement said.
"The Kingdom is among the first few countries, which gave special attention to counter money laundering by committing to and complying with many rules and international conventions," said Finance Minister Ibrahim Al-Assaf in a statement.
The filing of the declaration was in accordance with Article 14 of the Anti-Money Laundering Law of the Kingdom and "those who do not declare the precious metals and jewelry they possess while leaving the Kingdom have to pay customs duty on them on their return," the statement said.
The statement said declaration forms are available at all of the Kingdom's entry points, including airports and seaports. Passengers should write their names, passport numbers and addresses in Saudi Arabia. They should also state their country of origin and destination, flight numbers, the type of currency they are carrying, the total amount in Saudi riyals, the value of precious metals in Saudi riyals, their source and the purpose of carrying them.
The DOLE has noted that most of the OFWs in the Kingdom are fond of buying precious metals and jewelry for "pasalubong" or for "investment purposes" and it would be to their best interest if they were made aware of this latest developments.
The Labor Chief has called on all concerned sectors, including the media, to help in disseminating the information to OFWs and the traveling public.
http://www.dole.gov.ph/news/details.asp?id=N000002233
Aug 9, 2008
Drive against illegal recruitment, human trafficking strengthened
Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito D. Roque today said the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) would vigorously continue to exert more efforts in curbing illegal recruitment and human trafficking in all fronts, locally or overseas.
Roque as DOLE chief and Chair of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) Board, made this assurance as recent news reports by a non-government organization (NGO) indicated an increase in human trafficking activities in the Philippines.
Roque said the government has consolidated all its resources and focal agencies into one Task Force that would directly address the problem of illegal recruitment and human trafficking.
Roque said through Executive Order (EO) 548-A issued recently by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the role of the POEA, an attached agency of the DOLE, has been clearly defined and strengthened as mandated by R.A 8042, or the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995.
The order has amended and superseded the previous EO, which created a task force against illegal recruitment under the supervision of the Commission of Filipino Overseas (CFO), Roque said.
He clarified, however, that the CFO shall be in charged of the task force against human trafficking (TFHT) as provided for by EO 548-A.
EO 548-A, he stressed, redefined in clearer terms the functions of POEA and CFO in the fight against illegal recruitment and human trafficking.
"This shall enable the POEA in coordination with the regional offices of the Department of Labor and Employment to ensure greater focus in fighting illegal recruiters down to the local level," he said.
Roque said that the executive order underscored the on-going campaign of POEA to involve local government units (LGUs) in the fight against illegal recruiters.
He said that the agency has forged agreements with LGUs in Metro Manila late last year, particularly with the city governments of Taguig, Valenzuela, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa and Quezon City.
The agreements, he said, called for the active participation of the concerned local government authorities in surveillance and investigation of establishments and entities suspected of engaging in illegal recruitment in their respective jurisdiction.
The labor chief said that POEA is set to forge similar agreements with other LGUs in Metro Manila and other regions this year in line with Executive Order No. 548-A and RA 8042.
Pursuant to the law, POEA shall continue to adopt policies and procedures and implement programs towards the eradication of illegal recruitment. The agency shall also coordinate with the TFHT, along with other government agencies and the CFO which serves as task force chair, in addressing the problem on human trafficking.
As TFHT chair, the CFO shall recommend to the inter-agency council against trafficking (IACAT) policies, programs, and services aimed at eliminating trafficking in persons.
The IACAT is the primary body tasked to coordinate, monitor, and oversee the implementation of programs against trafficking in persons as provided for by RA No. 9208, otherwise known as the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003.
"We always believe that the best way to prevent or minimize illegal recruitment or human trafficking is for would be overseas workers to check and verify first with the authorities, particularly with POEA, any offer of overseas job by individuals or entities engaged in overseas employment before dealing with them," Roque said.
The labor secretary added that among the safety nets and measures established by the DOLE to mitigate if not totally eradicate or prevent illegal recruitment and human trafficking is the conduct of Pre-Departure Orientation Seminars, the establishment of Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs) in cities and municipalities nationwide which assist workers for their local or overseas employment; and linkages with various agencies of government charged with migration and travel.
Overseas, the Labor Chief said the 34 Philippine Overseas Labor Offices of the DOLE established worldwide help trace, shelter, assist and repatriate victims of illegal recruitment and human trafficking.
http://www.dole.gov.ph/news/details.asp?id=N000002232
Roque as DOLE chief and Chair of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) Board, made this assurance as recent news reports by a non-government organization (NGO) indicated an increase in human trafficking activities in the Philippines.
Roque said the government has consolidated all its resources and focal agencies into one Task Force that would directly address the problem of illegal recruitment and human trafficking.
Roque said through Executive Order (EO) 548-A issued recently by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the role of the POEA, an attached agency of the DOLE, has been clearly defined and strengthened as mandated by R.A 8042, or the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995.
The order has amended and superseded the previous EO, which created a task force against illegal recruitment under the supervision of the Commission of Filipino Overseas (CFO), Roque said.
He clarified, however, that the CFO shall be in charged of the task force against human trafficking (TFHT) as provided for by EO 548-A.
EO 548-A, he stressed, redefined in clearer terms the functions of POEA and CFO in the fight against illegal recruitment and human trafficking.
"This shall enable the POEA in coordination with the regional offices of the Department of Labor and Employment to ensure greater focus in fighting illegal recruiters down to the local level," he said.
Roque said that the executive order underscored the on-going campaign of POEA to involve local government units (LGUs) in the fight against illegal recruiters.
He said that the agency has forged agreements with LGUs in Metro Manila late last year, particularly with the city governments of Taguig, Valenzuela, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa and Quezon City.
The agreements, he said, called for the active participation of the concerned local government authorities in surveillance and investigation of establishments and entities suspected of engaging in illegal recruitment in their respective jurisdiction.
The labor chief said that POEA is set to forge similar agreements with other LGUs in Metro Manila and other regions this year in line with Executive Order No. 548-A and RA 8042.
Pursuant to the law, POEA shall continue to adopt policies and procedures and implement programs towards the eradication of illegal recruitment. The agency shall also coordinate with the TFHT, along with other government agencies and the CFO which serves as task force chair, in addressing the problem on human trafficking.
As TFHT chair, the CFO shall recommend to the inter-agency council against trafficking (IACAT) policies, programs, and services aimed at eliminating trafficking in persons.
The IACAT is the primary body tasked to coordinate, monitor, and oversee the implementation of programs against trafficking in persons as provided for by RA No. 9208, otherwise known as the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003.
"We always believe that the best way to prevent or minimize illegal recruitment or human trafficking is for would be overseas workers to check and verify first with the authorities, particularly with POEA, any offer of overseas job by individuals or entities engaged in overseas employment before dealing with them," Roque said.
The labor secretary added that among the safety nets and measures established by the DOLE to mitigate if not totally eradicate or prevent illegal recruitment and human trafficking is the conduct of Pre-Departure Orientation Seminars, the establishment of Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs) in cities and municipalities nationwide which assist workers for their local or overseas employment; and linkages with various agencies of government charged with migration and travel.
Overseas, the Labor Chief said the 34 Philippine Overseas Labor Offices of the DOLE established worldwide help trace, shelter, assist and repatriate victims of illegal recruitment and human trafficking.
http://www.dole.gov.ph/news/details.asp?id=N000002232
Jul 9, 2008
OFW from Saipan feared among fatal victims of MV Princess of the Stars
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) today said that a Saipan-based overseas Filipino worker (OFW) is feared to be among the passengers who perished when the ill-fated MV Princess of the Stars sunk off the coast of Sibuyan Island in Romblon at the height of Typhoon Frank last June 21.
Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito D. Roque, citing a report from Labor Attaché Joan Lourdes Lavilla in Saipan, said Editha Lisbo Ybanez, who worked as a household service worker in Saipan, took the ill-fated vessel from Manila on her way home to visit her family in Surigao City.
Ybanez, 47 years old and single, is a native of Cantisay, Surigao City.
Roque said Ybanez who remains missing up to now, was listed in the passenger manifest of MV Princess of the Stars. Her kin is in Cebu waiting for developments on the recovery of bodies of passengers who drowned with the sunken vessel.
Roque, while expressing hopes on the possibility that Ybanez may still be alive, said that the DOLE and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) are prepared to help the family of Ybañez in the event that the OFW has been identified as among those who perished in the tragedy.
The labor secretary said he has directed OWWA to monitor developments and immediately coordinate with authorities involved in the maritime tragedy once Ybañez's remains have been identified to expedite recovery and turnover of the remains to the OFW's family.
He added that OWWA personnel would also brief the concerned relatives of the mishap victim on the benefits that OWWA members are entitled to. He said the family of Ybanez would be entitled to insurance, death, and other benefits from OWWA.
He said Ybanez renewed her OWWA membership at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Saipan only last June 16. She was issued an overseas employment certificate the following day shortly before her departure from Saipan to Manila.
Under OWWA rules, a member is covered with life insurance for the duration of his/her overseas employment contract. The coverage includes P100,000 for natural death and P200,000 for accidental death. An additional burial benefit of P20,000 shall also be provided to the family of a deceased member.
Ybanez' nearest kin may also avail of scholarships from OWWA, Roque said as he advised OFWs and those seeking overseas jobs for the first time to ensure not only the legality of their overseas job applications but also their membership with OWWA prior to their deployment abroad.
Aside from insurance and scholarships, OWWA members are entitled to health care, family welfare assistance, and various services onsite, Roque said.
http://www.dole.gov.ph/news/details.asp?id=N000002222
Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito D. Roque, citing a report from Labor Attaché Joan Lourdes Lavilla in Saipan, said Editha Lisbo Ybanez, who worked as a household service worker in Saipan, took the ill-fated vessel from Manila on her way home to visit her family in Surigao City.
Ybanez, 47 years old and single, is a native of Cantisay, Surigao City.
Roque said Ybanez who remains missing up to now, was listed in the passenger manifest of MV Princess of the Stars. Her kin is in Cebu waiting for developments on the recovery of bodies of passengers who drowned with the sunken vessel.
Roque, while expressing hopes on the possibility that Ybanez may still be alive, said that the DOLE and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) are prepared to help the family of Ybañez in the event that the OFW has been identified as among those who perished in the tragedy.
The labor secretary said he has directed OWWA to monitor developments and immediately coordinate with authorities involved in the maritime tragedy once Ybañez's remains have been identified to expedite recovery and turnover of the remains to the OFW's family.
He added that OWWA personnel would also brief the concerned relatives of the mishap victim on the benefits that OWWA members are entitled to. He said the family of Ybanez would be entitled to insurance, death, and other benefits from OWWA.
He said Ybanez renewed her OWWA membership at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Saipan only last June 16. She was issued an overseas employment certificate the following day shortly before her departure from Saipan to Manila.
Under OWWA rules, a member is covered with life insurance for the duration of his/her overseas employment contract. The coverage includes P100,000 for natural death and P200,000 for accidental death. An additional burial benefit of P20,000 shall also be provided to the family of a deceased member.
Ybanez' nearest kin may also avail of scholarships from OWWA, Roque said as he advised OFWs and those seeking overseas jobs for the first time to ensure not only the legality of their overseas job applications but also their membership with OWWA prior to their deployment abroad.
Aside from insurance and scholarships, OWWA members are entitled to health care, family welfare assistance, and various services onsite, Roque said.
http://www.dole.gov.ph/news/details.asp?id=N000002222
Apr 9, 2008
62 OFWs stranded in Saudi will come home, finally
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Acting Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito D. Roque today announced that 62 overseas Filipino workers who have been stranded in various regions in Saudi Arabia will be home on or before April 15.
"I have been informed yesterday by our Philippine Overseas Labor Office and the Overseas Welfare Office of the OWWA that 62 OFWs facing various problems in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will finally be coming home in three batches, with the last batch coming in on April 15," Roque said in a media release.
Roque said that Labor Attaché Adam Musa and Welfare Officer Romeo Pablo have reported that 31 OFWs from Jeddah will arrive in the Philippines in two batches, the first batch, consisting of eight (8) OFWs flying in via Malaysian Airlines flight 704 on April 10, and the second batch, consisting of 23 OFWs arriving via Etihad Airlines on April 12.
Also on April 12, 15 OFWs who were returned by Saudi immigration authorities to Riyadh will arrive in Manila on board Gulf Airways.
The third batch, consisting of 16 OFWs who were retuned by Saudi immigration authorities to Alkhobar will fly in to Manila via Etihad Airways on April 15.
Roque said the repatriation of the OFWs is part of the government's continuing effort to assist OFWs in distress who wants to come home, even as he noted the strong cooperation between the DOLE and the Department of Foreign Affairs in extending all possible kind of assistance to OFWs in distress.
http://www.dole.gov.ph/news/details.asp?id=N000002178
Acting Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito D. Roque today announced that 62 overseas Filipino workers who have been stranded in various regions in Saudi Arabia will be home on or before April 15.
"I have been informed yesterday by our Philippine Overseas Labor Office and the Overseas Welfare Office of the OWWA that 62 OFWs facing various problems in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will finally be coming home in three batches, with the last batch coming in on April 15," Roque said in a media release.
Roque said that Labor Attaché Adam Musa and Welfare Officer Romeo Pablo have reported that 31 OFWs from Jeddah will arrive in the Philippines in two batches, the first batch, consisting of eight (8) OFWs flying in via Malaysian Airlines flight 704 on April 10, and the second batch, consisting of 23 OFWs arriving via Etihad Airlines on April 12.
Also on April 12, 15 OFWs who were returned by Saudi immigration authorities to Riyadh will arrive in Manila on board Gulf Airways.
The third batch, consisting of 16 OFWs who were retuned by Saudi immigration authorities to Alkhobar will fly in to Manila via Etihad Airways on April 15.
Roque said the repatriation of the OFWs is part of the government's continuing effort to assist OFWs in distress who wants to come home, even as he noted the strong cooperation between the DOLE and the Department of Foreign Affairs in extending all possible kind of assistance to OFWs in distress.
http://www.dole.gov.ph/news/details.asp?id=N000002178
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