GMA News Online Pinoy Abroad

Fifty-two overseas Filipino workers received a post-arrival orientation seminar from Philippine officials shortly after their arrival in Agana (Guam) last Nov. 27.

 

The Philippine Consulate General in Agana said the orientation seminar was held at the Ukudu Workforce Village in Dededo.

 

"A total of 52 OFWs (H1 and H2B visa holders) from construction companies operating on the island, such as the Younex Enterprises Corporation, Orion Construction, Core Tech and Flex Builders, attended the seminar," the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

 

The Consulate also conducted a mobile overseas absentee voting (OAV) registration, where 34 of the OFWs were registered.

 

The 8th Post Arrival Orientation Seminar (PAOS) was held in partnership mainly with the Ukudu Workforce Village, which provided the venue and meals for the participants.

 

Speakers from the US Department of Labor, Guam Department of Labor, Guam Workers' Compensation Commission, Office of the Attorney General of Guam, represented by Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Quan, and Victims' Advocates Reaching Out (VARO) discussed relevant local and federal laws to keep the participants informed of their rights, benefits and privileges.

 

The OFWs were also briefed on their responsibilities, while temporarily residing on Guam as guest workers.

 

Representatives from telecommunications companies IT&E and Docomo Pacific were also present to inform the participants of the services they are marketing to Filipinos.

 

Among the services they offered were calling or sending SMS messages to loved ones and relatives in the Philippines.

 

On the other hand, a representative of Allied Bank (Guam branch) was also present to discuss financial management and the bank's savings and remittance services.

 

Mayor Melissa Savares from the Village of Dededo, where majority of Filipinos reside, graced the event and welcomed the participants.

 

Vice Consul Maria Paz Cortes also provided information on the various programs and consular services offered by the Consulate General. — LBG, GMA News