Former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbomg” Marcos Jr.and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio (Photo from the Facebook page of Bongbong Marcos)
MANILA, Philippines — Presidential candidate and former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his running mate, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio are eyeing the immediate operationalization of the Department of Migrant Workers, which was signed into law last year.
During their hybrid OFW Miting de Avance on Friday night, Marcos Jr. said the new department was created to protect the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) by having a separate office focused on their concerns.
“Mabubuo na po ang Department of Migrant Workers at ang susunod na administrasyon ay siya ang magbubuo at gagawa ng lahat ng katungkulan ng bagong departamentong ito,” Marcos Jr. said.
“Ipaghihiwalay na natin ang Department of Labor and Employment at yung Department of Migrant Workers at mayroon na tayong department na iisa lamang ang katungkulan—kundi tulungan ang ating mga OFW,” he added.
Duterte-Carpio also pushed for the immediate operationalization of the department as she vowed for more jobs for Filipinos so that they no longer have to leave the country.
“We look forward to the operationalization of the Department of Migrant Workers,” Duterte-Carpio said.
“Ang aking personal na isusulong — trabaho para sa maraming Pilipino. Naniniwala ako na kung mayroong sapat na trabaho sa ating bansa, mas pipiliin ng mga Pilipino na manatili dito kaysa makipagsapalaran pa sa ibang bansa,” she added.
In December 2021, President Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11641 or the Department of Migrant Workers Act which creates a separate department strictly focused on OFW concerns.
The new department absorbs the functions of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and also regulates overseas employment and the reintegration of Filipino workers.
During the two-year transition period, Duterte-Carpio urged the POEA to immediately craft solid implementing rules and regulations (IRR) that shall cover all the mandated functions and duties of the new department, especially in the implementation of welfare programs and policies that respond to the concerns and needs of OFWs.
She also said that sufficient funding is needed for the implementation of the Department of Migrant Workers.
Other programs
Marcos Jr. said there should also be a re-training program for returning OFWs.
Livelihood programs should also be available for OFWs who have decided to return—and stay—in the country, the presidential candidate said.
Further, Marcos Jr. said the government should also be able to support and provide assistance to the families left behind by OFWs—through housing and scholarship programs—to acknowledge the contribution of migrant workers to the country.
“Ang talagang pangarap natin ay mangyari na dumating ang araw na hindi na kailangang umalis ang ating mga kababayan para makahanap ng disenteng trabaho,” Marcos Jr. said.
This could be done by creating more jobs in the country, said Marcos Jr.
Meanwhile, Duterte-Carpio said that she will push for the creation of more one-stop-shop service centers in the country and expanding livelihood programs for OFWs—such as the “Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay” Program and theLivelihood Development Assistance Program.
“Bilib ako sa tapang nga mga OFWs. Hinaharap ninyo ang lahat ng uri ng panganib sa inyong trabaho. Tinitiis ninyo ang hirap. Bale wala sa inyo ang lungkot. At kahit na may sakit, tuloy lang ang trabaho. Walang pahinga. Halos walang day-off,” Duterte-Carpio said.
“Titiyakin natin na protektado ang mga OFWs sa mga bansang kanilang pinagtatrabahuan. Ang mga embahada at konsulado ay gagabay, tutulong at magbibigay ng kasiguraduhan na natatanggap ng mga OFWs ang tamang sahod at benepisyo mula sa kanilang mga employers at nabibigyan sila ng proteksyon laban sa abuso,” she said.
Duterte-Carpio also pushed for programs towards peace-building and improving quality of education in the country.