OFW's face contract breach

CONTRACT violations overseas remain a problem for Overseas Filipino Workers [OFW’s].

Isaac Anthony Basil of the programs and services division of the Overseas Welfare Workers Administration (OWWA) said salaries agreed upon in contracts signed by OFW’s have not been honored by employers.

“Hindi na susunod iyong kontrata like maliit iyong pinapasahod instead of iyong actual na napirmahan sa kontrata,” said Basil.

OWWA studies show that Cordilleran’s compose less than 15 percent of the 2.2 million OFW leaving the country annually.

Baguio Representative Congressman Mark Go pledged support for the protection for the OFW’s in the city.

“Paradoxically I also think that the magnitude of securing other lives at home always carries with itself the inevitable possibility of danger,” said Go.

The lawmaker said OFW’s give up personal comfort and the risk of being abused and even the threat of death.

“From the government sector, there is always an assurance of protection to our dear brothers and sisters. Personally and my capacity as a lawmaker I vow to the support every legislation that will promote your welfare and your families,” Go added.

Basil said there is a minimal a decline noted by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) despite continuous overseas negotiations with employers who continue to violate the rights of overseas workers.

Basil said in the cases of violations POLO recommends a blacklisting of erring employers to prevent more workers to be victimized.

OWWA administration administrative and financial office director II Lilia De Guzman said protection for overseas workers abroad providing continuous agreements are made.

“Isa po kami sa mga sumasali sa bilateral agreements para mabigyan natin ng protection ang mga manggagawa sa abroad, sana po may mga batas na ginagawa ang host country mismo para sa mga OFW,” De Guzman added.

Surprisingly, OFW families here face a lack of finances despite family members working overseas.

“When we give counselling to the families in the Philippines we also tell them na hindi porke OFW ay parang ATM na yan, we give financial literacy so that they will know how to use the money na pinapadala po ng OFW,” De Guzman said.

Continuous counselling is done by the OWWA as means of intervention for beleaguered families.

OWWA programs and services such as the Balik Hanapbuhay Program gives a package of P20,000 pesos for livelihood support intended to provide immediate relief to returning memberOFWs who were displaced due to war and political conflict in their host countries.