OWWA-Caraga celebrates 2021 Migrant Workers’ Day
By OWWA-Caraga
BUTUAN CITY, Jun. 8 -- 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-to-back 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 OIC-Regional 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." (OWWA-Caraga)
