SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) – Recognizing the vulnerabilities of Filipinos seeking work or marriage opportunities overseas, the Commission on Filipino Overseas (CFO) is expanding its reach by offering comprehensive education programs within communities.
This proactive initiative aims to equip Filipinos, particularly those in intermarriages and interracial relationships, with the knowledge and resources necessary to safeguard themselves from exploitative practices like mail-order spouse schemes and human trafficking.
Through community outreach and seminars, the CFO equips potential migrants with essential information about their chosen host countries, including cultural norms and social customs, legal frameworks and workers' rights, and practical tips for everyday living.
The CFO offers two programs for migrants: Counseling and Guidance Program (GCP) for intermarriages, and Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) for reasons beyond marriage.
GCP is a distinct program of the CFO that aims to provide Filipino spouses, fiancés, and other partners with adequate information and advice on the realities of intermarriage and migration, rights, and obligations overseas.
It aids in alleviating the percentage of cases of the said issues, because Filipino migrants will be more aware of their rights, and the steps they will take.
Meanwhile, PDOS aims to prepare Filipinos to prepare them for the challenges of international migration encompassing cultural and linguistic adjustments.
In PDOS, they will learn about preparing for departure, entering the country, getting settled, building a support network, finding a job, managing their finances, and maintaining and strengthening ties with the Philippines.
CFO Senior Emigrant Services Officer Ariel Cruz, in an episode of Kapihan sa Ilocos program of the Philippine Information Agency-Region 1, stated that Filipinos who will migrate should undergo these programs to equip themselves before settling abroad.
“Especially ‘yong mga marriage migrants na medyo sila kasi ‘yong vulnerable pagdating sa mga issues ng domestic violence, ng trafficking, etc.,” he shared.
(It is crucial, especially for marriage migrants who are more susceptible to issues like domestic violence and trafficking, to undergo these programs.)
“Kasi ang goal po natin is, of course, mapaganda ‘yong buhay ninyo bago umalis ng Pilipinas, at the same time, hindi po tayo mabiktima ng mga traffickers, illegal recruiters, scammers po,” he added.
(Our primary aim is to empower Filipinos before they leave the Philippines, not only to improve their lives abroad but also to safeguard them from falling prey to traffickers, illegal recruiters, and scammers.)
The CFO's community outreach extends beyond mere information dissemination.
The program tackles sensitive issues like domestic violence by equipping migrants with resources and connecting them with support networks to ensure their well-being and safety.
It also empowers individuals to address challenges like language barriers, cultural differences, and homesickness, fostering a smoother transition and integration into their new surroundings. (JCR/AMB/KJBC/JGC/PIA Region 1)
