DOLE, IOM ink pact for enhanced reintegration program for OFWs

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has recently teamed up to help pursue a more holistic and integrated reintegration of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). (Photo: DOLE – Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns/Facebook)

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has recently teamed up to help pursue a more holistic and integrated reintegration of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

In a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed by DOLE and IOM, a two year project on the adoption of a national master plan for migrant reintegration will be implemented.

This will be carried out through the National Reintegration Summit declaration; and adoption of relevant department order, administrative circular or implementing guidelines on reintegration.

DOLE and IOM will also be joined in the project by other two DOLE attached agencies that provide services and programs for OFWs and their families, namely the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO).

The signing of agreement is in line with the Migration and Development, and Crisis Management Frameworks in the Philippines, which seeks to contribute to the outcomes of improving the national reintegration framework and service delivery systems.

Also included in the two-year project are the production of reintegration services duty bearers handbook, which covers products and services of relevant institutions; reintegration services menu for migrant returnees and their families; ISO certification of reintegration service delivery systems; and training of reintegration counsellors and duty bearers.

The signatories in the agreement are DOLE Undersecretary Dominador R. Say, OWWA Administrator Hans Leo J. Cacdac, IOM Mission Coordinator and National Programme Officer Ricardo R. Casco, and NRCO Director Chona M. Mantilla.