Enhancement of pre-departure orientation seminar for OFWs pushed

The 65 overseas Filipino workers (OFW) repatriated from Libya thru the effort of the Philippine government arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Monday (June 23, 2014) in Pasay City. (PNA photos by Avito C. Dalan)

MANILA — A lawmaker is proposing the inclusion of topics on drug syndicates and their mode of operations in the pre-departure orientation seminar given to migrant Filipino workers to prevent them from falling victim to drug smuggling.

Rep. Kimi S. Cojuangco (5th District, Pangasinan) filed House Bill 5696, which seeks to integrate in the standard module for Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) given to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) a topic covering extensive discussion about the mode of operations, methods and systems being employed by drug syndicates to lure unwitting migrant workers to become drug mules.

Cojuangco said the OFWs shall be given practical tips on how to safeguard oneself from being victimized and what to do when under suspicion of being compromised.

“The topic shall also include updates regarding cases of Filipinos involved in drug smuggling abroad, the existing laws of the country of destination governing illegal drugs and the penalties imposed therefor, including other related matters as would elicit a comprehensive orientation on illicit drug trafficking,” Cojuangco said.

Cojuangco said at present, the PDOS educates OFWs on their rights as migrant workers and counsels them on how to deal with the first few months away from home.

“The seminar also provides guidelines on health and safety, gives a general information of the country they were going to and provides information on government programs and support services available to them,” she said.

Cojuangco said by properly educating the OFWs on the issue of drug smuggling, they can take the necessary measures to safeguard themselves during their travels.

“The PDOS is one way we can prepare and protect our migrant workers,” Cojuangco said.

Citing the data from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Cojuangco said there are about 807 Filipinos jailed in various countries due to drug smuggling as of July 2014.

“International drug smuggling has continued to plague our country for years.

Syndicates prey on our OFWs and those desperate to make a living to support their family,” Cojuangco explained.

Under the bill, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) may coordinate and consult with other appropriate agencies such as the PDEA, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in order to secure the necessary knowledge, inputs, data, materials and information relative to the operations of illegal drug syndicates and drug smuggling.

The measure further provides that the orientation of OFWs about the subject shall be conducted up to such a duration as would provide the PDOS Trainer sufficient or reasonable time to competently and exhaustively lecture on the subject, and an in-depth discussion thereof to achieve the desired service outcome.

The OWWA or its partner for the training of OWWA-PDOS Trainers shall include in its training program such instruction as would prepare and enable PDOS trainers to be competent speakers or lecturers of the said topic.

The bill likewise directs the OWWA to continue to formulate and undertake a parallel program for undocumented or irregular migrant workers.