THIS IS OUR TIME, we the OFWs, the modern day heroes! For so long, we have struggled and went to through countless hardships by working abroad to provide for our families and contributing to the growth of the Philippine economy. We have been called heroes, for we have endured the trials of working overseas. But that is not enough! WE NEED PROGRESS AND CHANGE!

WE, the OFWs, are also people. We have been victims of exploitation, trafficking, abuse, rape, and many more. We need a sustainable way to protect and fight for our rights for a better life, through a more comprehensive, competent, and organized support from our government.
With the OFW Department, we will be able to oversee our own programs, and provide better and more effective solutions to the problems and concerns of our fellow OFWs.
So let us all unite our fellow OFWs! Our fellow Filipinos!

INTRODUCTION:

                Through the unity of all the OFWs around the globe, we are calling for the establishment of the much requested Department of OFWs (DOFW). For the past years, there have been countless calls for help from our fellow OFWs, our fellow Filipinos. Many calls have been unanswered, and many more are still calling for help. This reality has been attested by testimonials and experiences of OFWs and ex-OFWs worldwide. The OFW community is fighting for a better system and better management for our future. Through the OFW Department, we will be able to achieve this!

QUICK RESPONSE AND OPERATION PROGRAM
 

                                The OFW community needs a system where immediate assistance will be provided to distressed OFWs, instead of the current system where OFWs calling for help are just passed around different government agencies and other concerned institutions. Most of the time, government agencies and officials are unreachable. The OFWs have endured this inefficient system for decades, and the unfortunate ones are forced to go home with just referral letters. There must be an emergency cash assistance program for distressed and abused OFWs!

 

INTEGRATED AND COMPREHENSIVE SCREENING AND PRE-DEPARTURE PROGRAM
 

                        We believe that recruitment agencies are unnecessary, and transactions and businesses regarding OFWs must be all organized by the government. By doing so, we will minimize the risk of exploitation and trafficking. With the establishment of the DOFW, it will be a one-stop, one-command, and one-process system. Also, OFWs must also be able to communicate in the language of their destination countries, and so the inclusion of foreign languages subjects such as Arabic, French, Mandarin, Nihonggo, and Spanish is a must! Moreover, psychological preparedness and self-defense training are also important!

OFW-MANAGED TRUST FUND
 

                                The Department of OFW (DOFW) and funds used for OFW programs shall be managed by the OFW community themselves. This should put the corrupt practices of some agency officials out of the picture! Most importantly, the DOFW shall be managed by OFWs and ex-OFWs considering that OFWs are the only people who have the actual experience, first-hand observations, and excellent knowledge of OFW problems and concerns. Furthermore, the OFW community shall be responsible for the appropriate staffing and for the management of much needed programs for the welfare of the OFWs worldwide. This will ensure truly responsive services and support to the OFWs.

JUSTICE WITHIN REACH FOR OUR MODERN HEROES

                        There should be provincial offices in each province of OFW destination countries, especially in big countries, such as Saudi Arabia, to provide immediate help. This will ensure that distressed OFWs will have a place to easily turn to. The DOFW may also operate mobile offices for better efficiency! Also, lawyers and labor officers should not be for sale! This kind of support must be readily available for OFWs. Finally, the DOFW, in conjunction with its offices around the world, will be constantly monitoring the situation of all OFWs. They must also support OFWs in abolishing exploitative systems, such as the Kafala system! There should be no OFWs, no Filipinos left behind!

COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY REINTEGRATION PROGRAM
 

                There should be a livelihood assistance program for repatriated OFWs, especially those who have been victims of war, pandemics, exploitation, and abuse! This program will have specific job training and entrepreneurial training programs. Apart from that, the repatriated OFW will receive cash assistance not below Php50,000. Additionally, there must be a comprehensive psychosocial intervention for severely traumatized victims of sexual abuse, maltreatment, physical and psychological violence, and to those who have lost their sanity. We must help our heroes who have struggled and risked their lives abroad, to get back on their feet and start a new, productive, and peaceful life!

INSURANCE AND RELATED BENEFITS FOR ALL OFWS AND VETERAN OFWS
 

            OFWs will have their own life and health insurance system. There will be also pension benefits for current and veteran OFWs based on their contributions and their time working abroad. Currently, OFWs are dependent on private insurance companies, but in some cases, OFWs are scammed by fake insurance agents, and their insurance money is sometimes claimed by their exploitative agencies instead of their families. OFWs, our modern heroes, deserve a more favorable and trustworthy security system! OFWs need a bright future ahead!

OFW SUPPORT FOR THE PHILIPPINES, OUR MOTHERLAND
 

            The DOFW will also have an efficient online voting system to be able to participate in the democratic process of the Philippine elections. We, the OFWs will always be Filipinos, and we will help our country not only through our remittances, but by also electing competent and deserving leaders for our motherland.

 

The OFWs are tired of the endless cycle of corruption, exploitation, and the abuse of power within our motherland. We will be part of the change that is coming, through our unity, and through our voices!

OFWs and our fellow Filipinos, we all have one thing in common, and that is our call for CHANGE!

LET US UNITE ALL OUR VOICES FOR BEGIN THIS CHANGE IN OUR SOCIAL SYSTEMS THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF THE OFWS!
 

BY THE OFWS, THROUGH THE OFWS, AND FOR THE OFWS!
 
LET US MAKE IT HAPPEN!

 

WITH THIS ONLINE PETITION, HELP US MAKE THIS CALL FOR CHANGE LOUDER, UNTIL OUR LAWMAKERS WILL HEED OUR UNITED VOICES!