OWWA joins urban poor caravan

Through the partnership, OWWA programs and services will be included in the discussion during the conduct of caravans. Information, education, and communication (IEC) materials shall also be distributed, and OWWA will offer a 24/7 Helpline through OWWA 24/7 Operation Center and Hotline 1348. (PNA Photo)

MANILA — The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) will be joining the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) caravan to inform the public of its programs on overseas employment.

This after the OWWA and the PCUP signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on the former’s participation in the caravan last week.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III noted that the agreement will further provide the public information on the programs and services of OWWA, an attached agency of the labor department.

“We at the Department of Labor and Employment are glad to be given a chance to be part of this caravan led by the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor. It is delight to know that this simple activity would address the needs of our urban poor,” he said in a statement.

Through the partnership, OWWA programs and services will be included in the discussion during the conduct of caravans. Information, education, and communication (IEC) materials shall also be distributed, and OWWA will offer a 24/7 Helpline through OWWA 24/7 Operation Center and Hotline 1348.

Meanwhile, OWWA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac said they are ready to respond to queries of the public.

“The OWWA is ready to respond, listen and serve the people on their problems and concerns regarding overseas employment. We want to let the public to know our programs that would help them,” he added.

The undertaking, PCUP Caravan: “Pinagsama-samang Serbisyo Para sa Tao”, is a ‘whole of government approach’ participated in by various government agencies as well as non-government organizations and the private sector.

It aims to promote and enhance awareness on government programs and services, augment the needs and bring basic services closer to urban poor communities.

Other services during PCUP caravans include business registration and business advisory services from the Department of Trade and Industry, orientation and training from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, medical assistance and medical and dental Mission from the Department of Health, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

Legal assistance, counseling and legal documentation from the Public Attorney’s Office are also provided, as well as motor vehicle registration and renewal of Driver’s License from the Land Transportation Office.

As for the DOLE, local job fairs and orientation for livelihood programs are conducted as part of its participation in the PCUP Caravan.

The signing of the MOA is part of the 24th Migrant Workers Day celebration, with the theme “Salamat sa tapang, sipag, at pagmamahal mo, Kabayan” to pay tribute to the country’s modern-day heroes and their families.

The Migrant Workers Day was celebrated at the Palacio de Maynila last June 5.

On December 8, 1986, the PCUP was created as a coordinative and advocacy body mandated to serve as the direct link of the urban poor to the government in policy formulation and program implementation addressed to their needs”, through Executive Order No.

82 issued by President Corazon Aquino.