DMW, Aklan gov’t ink fight vs. illegal recruitment, human trafficking

By Marita Moaje, Philippine News Agency

The DMW said that aside from curbing illegal activities, the department vowed to improve its services for OFWs in Aklan. (File Photo: Department of Migrant Workers/Facebook)

MANILA – The Department of Migrant Workers and Aklan province have joined hands for an intensified fight against illegal recruitment and human trafficking.

In a news release on Thursday, the DMW signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the provincial government of Aklan to improve local policies while protecting the rights and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the province.

The DMW said that aside from curbing illegal activities, the department vowed to improve its services for OFWs in Aklan.

“The signing of the MOA aims to heighten the protection of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) against illegal recruiters, formulate and implement local policies to strengthen the rights and promote the welfare of migrant workers and their families in the province,” the DMW said.

On Sept. 25, at least 60 individuals including town mayors of Aklan, Sangguniang Panlalawigan members, Public Employment Service Office (PESO) managers, police officers, and other local officials attended a comprehensive seminar on Anti-Illegal Recruitment and Trafficking in Persons (AIRTIP) conducted by DMW Assistant Secretary Francis Ron de Guzman and  Migrant Workers Protection Bureau Director Eric Dollete.

Qualified OFW beneficiaries were also given cash assistance from PHP30,000 to PHP50,000 under the Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFWs na Nangangailangan (AKSYON Fund) of the DMW.

They were also informed of the reintegration program for returning OFWs, which offers livelihood assistance and skills training, particularly in weaving piña textiles and other crafts.

Aklan’s piña handloom weaving was recognized by UNESCO in December 2013 and was included in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.