Gov't agencies establish National Reintegration Network for OFWs

Sixteen government agencies, headed by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), on Saturday signed a joint memorandum circular (JMC) creating the National Reintegration Network (NRN).

The signing of the JMC was held at the Occupational Safety and Health Center in Quezon City in celebration of the 30th anniversary of Migrant Workers’ Day.

Present during the event as signatories were Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque, Department of Labor and Employment Officer-In-Charge Benjo Santos M. Benavidez, and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan.

Other signatories are officials and representatives of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Tourism (DOT), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG Fund, SB Corp., OFBank, the National Cooperative Marketing Federation (NCMF), and PhilPharma.

The signing of the JMC was pursuant to the order of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for stronger inter-agency cooperation for more responsive reintegration efforts.

“Inatasan kami ng Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr., noong Labor Day na magkaroon ng National Reintegration Network kung saan nagsasanib-puwersa kami lahat para hindi na pinagpapasa-pasahan ang mga OFWs,” said Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac.

(President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Labor Day tasked us with creating the National Reintegration Network, where we all joined forces so that OFWs will no longer be passed on from one agency to another.)

The establishment of the NRN is based on Article XII, Section 36 of the IRR of Republic Act 11641, which aims to “strengthen societal stakeholders' coordination in the delivery of reintegration services, including but not limited to livelihood, microenterprise and employment assistance, and referrals to returning OFWs.”

Partner agencies offer services including livelihood, employment facilitation, Kadiwa (P20/kilo rice), OFW help desks, health, AICS, capacity building/training/upskilling, and cheaper medicines.

Through the creation of the NRN, Cacdac said he is hopeful of a 200 percent increase in their reintegration fund and that OWWA can also receive the same percentage of increase in budget.

The NRN will be chaired by the DMW and co-chaired by the DOLE, with OWWA as vice-chair.

The signing of the JMC coincided with the groundbreaking of the DMW Building and National Reintegration Center for OFWs.

Cacdac led the groundbreaking of DMW’s ten-story Central Office and the National Reintegration Center for OFWs located at the Occupational Safety and Health Center compound.

The DMW Central Office can accommodate more OFWs and their families and will have a wellness center to cater to their health and medical needs.

According to the DMW, the project is expected to be completed in 2027.

DMW, CHR sign agreement on OFW protection

The DMW and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) have also signed a memorandum of agreement for the creation of a stronger, more responsive human rights framework to safeguard the rights and welfare of OFWs and their families.

Among the co-signatories were Cacdac and Undersecretary Bernard Olalia, and CHR Chairperson Richard Palpal-latoc and Atty. Gemma Parojinog, Director IV of CHR’s Policy Linkages Office.

The two agencies have vowed coordination on the following matters:

• enhanced human rights awareness – this will provide OFWs and their families with greater access to information on their rights, empowering them to navigate challenges abroad with confidence. 
• free legal assistance and support -  OFWs will be offered legal aid, rights awareness sessions, and psychosocial support through Legal Clinic Caravans, particularly in underserved areas. 
• timely case assistance and coordination – this ensures swift and comprehensive responses to cases involving abuse, exploitation, or trafficking. 
• joint investigations into human rights violations – fact-finding missions will be held to address and resolve abuse complaints, including online exploitation. 
• research and policy development – evidence-based research will be used to shape new policies and programs that address OFW needs. 
• inclusive stakeholder consultations – OFWs will be provided with a stronger voice in policy discussions related to the Philippines’ international human rights obligations.

"It is a clear manifestation of the unwavering commitment of the CHR and the DMW to humanity, placing human dignity on a pedestal without distinction. It is a reaffirmation of our collective efforts to incorporate human rights at the heart of labor governance, migration policy, and public service," Palpal-latoc said.

“As the unsung heroes of our country, Overseas Filipino Workers represent the human narrative of sacrifice, aspiration, courage, and resilience. Their sector carries the torch that brings light into our journey towards national rebirth. They hold the key that holds our economy intact, stable, and sound," he added. —VBL, GMA Integrated News