In its commitment to the effective management of overseas migration and enhancement of workers’ protection, the Center for Research and Communication organized “The OFW Conference: A Second Look at the Overseas Employment Program” on March 30, 2012, in the PLDT Hall of University of Asia and the Pacific.
Vice President Jejomar Binay graced the conference with a special message right after the Welcome Remarks delivered by Dr. Bernardo Villegas.
Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration described the history, present state and plans of the Overseas Employment Program, and Administrator Carmelita Dimzon of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration discussed workers’ welfare and protection. Former Secretary Patricia Santo Tomas of the Department of Labor and Employment talked about reintegration and entrepreneurship programs for returning OFWs. Along with Administrator Hans Cacdac, CEO-Chairman Loreto Soriano of LBS Recruitment Solutions Corporation and Former Director Ericson Marquez of the Filipino Association for Mariners’ Employment discussed private and government partnerships to help OFWs.
Among the reactors at the conference were Ms. Susan Ople of the Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute, Mr. Alfredo Palmiery of the Federated Association of Manpower Exporters, Mr. Luther Calderon of Kabalikat ng Migranteng Pilipino. Inc., Ms. Aurora de Dios of the Miriam College Women and Gender Institute, Director Maria Luisa Reyes of the National Reintegration Center for OFWs, and Dr. Trinidad S. Osteria of the Yuchengco Center.
The conference brought together 105 participants and speakers from various government agencies, NGOs and companies to determine the present state of overseas employment, as well as the possible and the desired outcomes that could result from proposed OFW policies.
