The City Government of Davao, through the Overseas Filipino Workers Families’ Welfare and Crisis Center (OFWCC), continues its dedicated efforts in assisting OFWs and their families by providing referrals to various agencies, as well as offering psychosocial and financial assistance.
During the recent I-Speak Media Forum, OFWCC Head Rosevic Joey Jayme shared that they have catered to a total of 162 clients, comprising distressed OFWs, repatriated OFWs due to war or maltreatment, and those facing family emergencies. The center’s intervention programs aim to address the pressing needs of these individuals and their families.
“We also provide crisis intervention for the families left behind by OFWs, as well as for OFWs facing personal difficulties. Our services include psychosocial interventions and financial assistance, which we extend under the City Government’s Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) budget. Additionally, we refer cases to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) for further support,” Jayme stated.
For 2024, the OFWCC has already assisted 70 families through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program and helped three families gain access to livelihood programs, ensuring their financial stability amid challenges.
Campaign Against Human Trafficking and Illegal Recruitment
Beyond direct assistance, the OFWCC actively leads a campaign against Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and illegal recruitment.
“We train trainers at the barangay level to deepen awareness of illegal recruitment. Many OFWs who returned during the pandemic have reapplied for work abroad, and unfortunately, some have fallen victim to illegal recruitment. By educating communities, we aim to prevent such occurrences,” Jayme explained.
She urged aspiring OFWs to undergo proper registration and processing, verify the legitimacy of hiring agencies, and ensure that their prospective employers are authorized to recruit overseas workers. She also emphasized that the DMW provides an updated list of licensed recruitment agencies and approved job orders, which individuals can access on its official website.
Jayme warned against relying on job postings on social media platforms, particularly Facebook, as many of these advertisements are scams. Some individuals who pursued such opportunities were later found to be victims of human trafficking or were forced into work different from what was promised.
Empowering OFW Children and Strengthening Family Support
Aside from their advocacy against TIP, the OFWCC also prioritizes the well-being of OFW children. The center ensures their participation in the city’s annual Children’s Congress and secures their representation in the Local Council for the Protection of Children.
Encouraging OFWs and their families to reach out for proper guidance, Jayme underscored the importance of accessing legitimate services to avoid further complications.
“We provide guidance on financial and psychosocial services. Many OFW families struggle with relationship issues, and we work to prevent these problems from escalating into abuse cases,” she noted.
For those seeking assistance, the OFWCC help desk is located at the CSWDO office. They can also be reached through their official hotline at 0962-996-6520 or via their Facebook page.
Through its comprehensive programs and advocacy, the Davao City Government remains committed to safeguarding the welfare of OFWs and their families, ensuring they receive the necessary support to overcome the challenges they face.