OWWA forms group to address impact of migration on OFWs’ kids

FILE: Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) at the departure area of Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2. (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)

MANILA – The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has formed the OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) Children’s Circle (OCC) aimed at protecting the welfare of descendants of migrant workers.

The OWWA Board of Trustees chaired by Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Susan Ople approved Board Resolution No. 7 creating the OCC on July 15.

In a statement Tuesday, the OWWA said the OCC aims to help OFW children to achieve their full potential in community- and nation-building.

It will also address the societal impact of labor migration, such as separation from an OFW-parent, as well as negative effects on their well-being and mental health.

The agency added that its programs and activities aim to help children cope with the negative effects and social costs of migration, not to mention the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and other global emergencies.

Likewise, the program will serve as a venue for them to showcase the creative skills and talents of OFW children, improve socialization skills and harness coping mechanisms of OFW children, foster awareness of youth-centered and civic advocacies such as environment and climate change, values reorientation, digital literacy, and anti-drugs and substance abuse.

It also seeks to build camaraderie among OFW children, develop potential leaders among them, and encourage OFW children’s participation in policy and program development.

The Board of Trustees has initially allocated PHP15 million to cover the operational and administrative expenses of the program.

The OWWA added that it will initially be implemented by its Regional Welfare Offices in the National Capital Region, Ilocos Region, Calabarzon, Central Visayas and Davao Region.

The program will eventually be fully implemented by all OWWA Regional Welfare Offices.