WASHINGTON, D.C. – Around 700 OFWs availed themselves of the verification and OWWA-related services during the outreach mission jointly conducted by the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office – Washington, D.C. (POLO-WDC) in the Cayman Islands last April 22-28, 2022.
POLO services included evaluation and verification of 615 employment contracts, 18 manpower requests, while OWWA also assisted around 700 OFWs who applied for the renewal of their OWWA membership. OWWA also released cash assistance of US$200 each to 44 OFWs under the Alagang Kabayan Laban sa COVID-19 Project. OWWA’s Programs and Services as well as Financial Literacy Campaign were conducted by Welfare Officer Mae D. Codilla showcasing the PiTaKa videos and OWWA’s programs and services.
In addition, the Philippine Embassy headed by Consul General Iric C. Arribas, together with POLO-WDC Labor Attaché Angela A. Librado-Trinidad, Welfare Officer Codilla, and the Filipino community leaders met with government officials of the Cayman Islands including Deputy Governor Franz Manderson, Workforce Opportunities and Residency Program (WORC) Director Jeremy Scott, Ministry of Labour and Pensions Director Bennard Ebanks, Ministry of Labour and Pensions Deputy Director Japhia Loval Linwood and Ministry of Border and Control Director Christopher Eakin to pursue the discussion in 2019 on a cooperation/ cooperation/bilateral agreement with the Cayman Government.
“We wish to continue our discussion on further cooperation with the government of Cayman Islands specifically issues like high recruitment/placement cost and unfair and ethical recruitment practices. These issues often result in third country recruitment or our OFWs using irregular pathways.” Librado-Trinidad said.
The POLO-WDC team also visited 4 foreign employers/companies and discussed the provisions of contracts as prescribed by the Philippine government. 2 out of 4 of these employers expressed support for the procedure as well as the requirements set by the Philippine government, specifically on repatriation and insurance. The team also met with lawyer-employers who expressed support for the policies of the Philippine government and even offered to provide pro bono services in improving the contents/terms of the contract of employment specifically for domestic workers.
