DMW Caraga holds ‘kumustahan,’ psychosocial session for women OFWs, families
By Nora L. Molde
The initiative supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen reintegration programs and ensure accessible, responsive services for OFWs and their families, particularly in addressing their psychosocial needs.
Held on March 27 at the DMW Caraga conference hall, the activity benefited 18 women OFWs and their family members by providing a safe space for open dialogue, emotional support, and self-reflection, key components in building resilience and strengthening family ties.
Supervising Labor and Employment Officer Marissa A. Garay, a registered social worker, facilitated the session and emphasized the value of prioritizing one’s well-being.
“Hindi tayo makakapagbigay nang buo sa iba kung tayo mismo ay walang laman. Mahalaga na unahin din natin ang ating sarili upang mas masuportahan natin ang ating pamilya,” Garay said.
Through guided discussions, including reflective prompts such as “Para kanino ka bumabangon?”, participants were encouraged to reassess their motivations and recognize their roles both within the family and the community.
The activity aligns with the DMW’s directive to intensify reintegration and welfare programs that go beyond economic assistance by addressing the emotional and mental health concerns of OFWs. It also reflects the agency’s commitment to deliver inclusive, people-centered services under its mandate.
Participants actively shared their experiences, fostering a supportive environment that strengthened emotional connections and mutual understanding.
One of the participants, former domestic worker Marivic R. Ombrero, who worked in the United Arab Emirates, recounted her journey of sacrifice.
“Karamihan po ng kinikita ko noon ay napupunta sa pamilya ko at halos wala nang natitira para sa sarili ko. Ngayon po, nagpapasalamat ako dahil mas maayos na ang kalagayan namin at hinihikayat na rin nila akong alagaan ang sarili ko,” she said.
Each participant also received a ‘kalinga kit,’ symbolizing the government’s continuing care and support for OFWs and their families.
DMW Caraga Regional Director Ritchel M. Butao highlighted that the agency will sustain such initiatives as part of its reintegration efforts. “Patuloy po ang DMW sa pagsasagawa ng mga programang tulad ng ‘Kumustahan’ upang matiyak na hindi lamang ang kabuhayan kundi pati ang emosyonal at mental na kalagayan ng ating mga OFWs ay natutugunan.”
The session concluded with participants expressing appreciation for the opportunity to reflect and reconnect, emphasizing the importance of self-care in becoming more effective members of their families and communities.
Through initiatives like this, DMW Caraga continues to uphold the national government’s agenda of providing comprehensive, compassionate, and responsive services that strengthen the resilience and well-being of OFWs and their families. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte, with a report from DMW Caraga)
