DMW studying more convenient issuance of OEC to OFWs — OWWA's Ignacio

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is finding ways for a more convenient issuance of overseas employment certificate (OEC) to Filipinos working abroad, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said Thursday.

In an interview on GMA News’ Unang Balita, OWWA Administrator Arnell Ignacio was asked about the appeal of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) for a faster process for their deployment abroad.

“I am very sure they are talking about the OEC,” he said, referring to the document which serves as an exit clearance issued to OFWs and certify the regularity of their recruitment.

“Bago tayo nagkaroon ng DMW, POEA ang gumagawa niyan. Pero ngayon na DMW is here, ‘yan ay inaaral mabuti para mas maging convenient para sa OFWs ang mabigyan ng OECs nila,” he added.

(Before the creation of DMW, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration was the one issuing OECs. But now the DMW is here, it is studying ways to make the OEC issuance more convenient for OFWs.)

Ignacio said the issuance of OEC is for the protection of the OFW.

During his first State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. directed the DMW and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to prioritize the automation of contracts of OFWs.

Aside from the automated contracts, Marcos said he also wants OFWs to have OECs in their mobile phones.

Meanwhile, Ignacio said he tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently under isolation.

“Una, magpagaling ako sa COVID…Ako ang natamaan e…Oo, nakakulong ako rito kaya hindi ako makalabas-labas. Hindi ako makapunta sa dapat kong puntahan,” he said when asked about his plans for OFWs.

(First, I should recover from COVID…I am infected…Yes, I am isolated here, that is why I cannot go out. I cannot go where I should go.)

On Wednesday, Malacañang announced that President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has designated Ignacio as OWWA chief.—AOL, GMA News