CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA – The Provincial Government of Pampanga extended its heartfelt gratitude to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) for providing PHP 3.1 million livelihood and financial assistance to 135 Kapampangan overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Through the Livelihood Program for OFWs Reintegration (LPOR), beneficiaries received financial aid ranging from PHP 10,000 to PHP 50,000. This initiative serves as a crucial support for returning OFWs, helping them rebuild their lives and establish sustainable sources of income.
In addition to the financial assistance, the DMW and the Provincial Government of Pampanga reinforced their commitment to the welfare of OFWs through two key agreements.
The first is the Convergence Agreement, signed by the Provincial Government, DMW, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). This agreement aims to protect the rights of OFWs, enhance their skills, and facilitate their reintegration into society.
It includes capacity-building programs for local officials, training on overseas employment laws, and regular information campaigns on legal migration pathways. Furthermore, it establishes OFW Help Desks to assist with repatriation, legal concerns, and on-site support while strengthening efforts to combat illegal recruitment and human trafficking.
“We already have an existing partnership, but we are further strengthening it to ensure faster referrals for victims of illegal recruitment and quicker assistance for those in need,” a representative from the DMW stated.
Moreover, another Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was also signed to improve healthcare services for OFWs, their families, and Pampanga residents. The agreement—entered into by the DMW-OFW Hospital, Department of Health Region 3, Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital, and the Provincial Government of Pampanga which aims to enhance healthcare accessibility and patient care.
Under the MOA, the DMW-OFW Hospital will allocate 60% of its admissions to OFWs and 40% to non-OFWs, allow accredited visiting consultants from partner hospitals, secure funding for facility upgrades, and provide training and support to enhance healthcare services.
Vice Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda reaffirmed her commitment to working closely with the DMW and other partner agencies to uphold the protection, welfare, and successful reintegration of OFWs into their communities.
“We sincerely thank you for your support in Pampanga. I know many of you have been waiting for this, and now, with the help of the MOA, we will go full blast in serving our OFWs at the hospital,” Vice Governor Pineda added.
The Provincial Government of Pampanga remains dedicated to strengthening its programs for OFWs, ensuring that they receive the necessary support as they reintegrate into society and rebuild their futures.