TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) – The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DWPH) Cagayan Third Engineering District recently signed an agreement for the renovation and enhancement of the OWWA regional office.
The project agreement was signed between OWWA Administrator Arnel Ignacio and DPWH District Engr. Mariano Malupeng. The P32.5 million two-storey building at the Regional Government Center in this city will serve Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families.
The building construction is expected to commence by August and be completed within 210 calendar days.
“Most OFWs who come to the OWWA office are distressed while some seek help so it is important that as they enter the OWWA office, they will feel the warmth, the love, and the care for them,” Ignacio said.
With this, the construction of a wider and better building will help address decongestion and provide comfort for the daily transactions of OFWs and their families.
“We aim to provide a conducive working environment to enable our staff to work efficiently. It will also enhance the delivery of their services especially when OFWs start to flock to the office,” the administrator said.
Regional Director Virsie Tamayao on the other hand, lauded the leadership of Administrator Ignacio for the realization of the renovation and enhancement of the region’s office and for being responsive to the needs of their clientele geared towards the provision of better transportation services OWS, especially those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).
Ignacio also said a Migrant’s Brew – a coffee nook inside every OOWA office nationwide will be established.
He also said that seafarers are now enjoying the comfort and services of the Seafarer’s Hub established in Ermita, Manila where they can relax in the hub with free Wi-Fi, a charging station, a cozy lounge, free coffee, refreshments, and native snacks, among others.
“Another is the opening of the OFW Lounge at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 which also served as an area to stay while OFWs wait for their flights. The lounge is equipped with charging stations, a rest area, and with free food,” he added. (OTB/GVB/PIA Region 2)
