OWWA-CARAGA CELEBRATES 2021 MIGRANT WORKERS’ DAY

As the country marks the 26th year celebration of the 2021 Migrant Workers’ Day on the 7th day of June since the commemoration of the Republic Act 8042 or known as the Migrant Workers Act of 1995, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) together with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) hosted a virtual celebration to pay tribute to the Filipino migrant workers all over the world for their heroic contributions amidst this trial time of the pandemic.

Part of the virtual celebration was the ‘Resbakunado Townhall Meeting’ in connection with the ongoing vaccination against COVID-19 virus campaign spearheaded by the Department of Health (DOH), which was attended by OWWA employees from the different Regional Welfare Offices. Another highlight of the event was the back-toback Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing led by DOLE thru Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, and OWWA together with the National Housing Authority (NHA), National Commission on Muslim Filipinos NCMF), and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to provide OFWs who were displaced by the pandemic with employment opportunities in the DOTr through seamless

reintegration. Through this agreement, the DOTr will provide OWWA with a list of vacant positions and skills required where an OFW can apply for work.

In line with this celebration, OWWA Caraga took part in the virtual ceremony by awarding the financial assistance grant in a form of a cheque with the presence of the OICRegional Director, Ma. Ireen C. Cambaling, to the beneficiaries in Caraga region under the various programs of the agency, which includes five (5) recipients of Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay (BPBH), two (2) recipients of Project EASE, one (1) scholar under Educational Development Scholarship Program (EDSP), one (1) recipient of Welfare Assistance Program – Bereavement (WAP), and another one (1) recipient of Educational Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP). A total of ten (10) beneficiaries were present who hold valid color-coded passes, and the awarding only lasted 10 minutes as we adhere to the minimum health standards, protocols, and guidelines, hence, restriction to the number of attendees and social distancing were strictly observed. Afterward, the beneficiaries then headed back to their respective homes.

The virtual celebration successfully wrapped up with ‘Kumustahan with OFWs’ wherein OFWs from around the world got a chance to share their experiences and inspiring stories in overcoming the challenges as a migrant worker. They also conveyed their utmost gratitude as beneficiaries of the programs and services of OWWA, not only them who benefited but it also aided their family back home especially in this time of the global pandemic. A total of one hundred twenty-four (124) participants joined the 2021 Migrant Workers’ Day celebration via Zoom Meet.

This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme “Salamat sa tibay, galing at pagmamalasakit mo, Kabayan.” (OWWACaraga)