CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro (PIA) — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) MIMAROPA hopes to forge more partnerships with various local government units (LGUs) in the region to better protect migrant workers and curb illegal recruitment and human trafficking.
During the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on Tuesday, September 3, DMW MIMAROPA OIC-Regional Director Jonathan A. Gerodias said they will closely coordinate with the LGUs in the region to prevent Filipinos from becoming victims of illegal recruitment or mistreatment in other countries.
“Our program starts on the grassroots level, so in our region, we will start with the LGUs. Ang purpose po nito is to strengthen our tie-up with the local government in protecting those who want to be OFWs…grassroot level po muna tayo,” Gerodias said.
From November 2023, the DMW was able to sign an agreement with 26 LGUs in the region.
“Nitong mga nakaraang mga buwan, nagkaroon na po ng signing po ng memorandum of agreement between DMW and 26 LGUs,” he said.
The DMW hopes to replicate the same agreement with various local government units in the MIMAROPA region to effectively curb illegal recruitment and human trafficking.
“Ang pangunahing layunin namin ay protektahan ang mga OFWs o ‘yung mga gustong maging OFW po, sa pamamaraan po na ito ay maiiwasan silang maging biktima ng illegal recruitment sa ibang bansa,” Gerodias said, pointing out that the Department is doing comprehensive pre-employment orientation seminar (PEOS) for aspiring overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
He added that the PEOS is a crucial first step for Filipinos aspiring to work overseas as it provides mandatory seminars highlighting essential information to prepare aspiring OFWs for their journey abroad. (ALG/PIA MIMAROPA)
