The City Government of Davao, through the OFW and Families Crisis Center (OFWCC) continues to provide Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families referral to various agencies, and psychosocial and financial assistance.
During the I-Speak Media Forum on Thursday, OFWCC Head Rosevic Joey Jayme said that they have so far catered to a total of 162 clients composed of distressed OFWs, repatriated OFWs due to war or maltreatment, and family emergencies.
“We also provide crisis intervention for the families left behind by OFWs, OFWs nga naay mga problema or member sa OFW families [OFWs with problems or the member of OFW Families]. We provide psychosocial interventions and if there is a need of financial assistance, we provide from the City Government under the CSWDO Budget,” Jayme said, adding that they also refer them for assistance to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and the Department of Migrant workers.
For 2024, they assisted 70 families though their Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS), and helped three families have access to a livelihood program.
Jayme said that they also continue to wage a campaign against Trafficking In Persons (TIP).
“We train trainers para sa kada-barangay na mapalalum nato ang kahibalo sa illegal recruitment because kadtong nag return during the pandemic nibalik napud silag apply. Ubay ubay pud ang atong victims of illegal recruitment (We train trainers so that every barangay will have a deeper knowledge of illegal recruitment as those who have returned during the pandemic have applied again. And some became victims of illegal recruitment),” Jayme said.
She encouraged Dabawenyos to register and undergo the proper processes in going abroad, make sure that their employer or hiring agencies are legitimate, and also ensure that their contacts are allowed to hire employees abroad.
She mentioned that the DMW has a list of Licensed Recruitment Agencies, and Approved Job orders on its website, which those trying to go abroad may check.
Jayme advised Dabawenyos not to easily believe in foreign job postings on Facebook as some are not legitimate and there are documented cases of those who went abroad through these ads that became human trafficking victims or were asked to work a different job.
Aside from the campaign against TIP, another OFWCC program is to organize OFW children and ensure their participation in the city’s annual Children’s Congress, and representation in the local council for the protection of children.
She encouraged OFW and their families to reach out to them through their hotline and other channels for proper guidance.
“At least mahatagan sila og tama nga giya how to access services, for financial, especially sa kadtong psychosocial nga aspeto kay ubay ubay pud ang problema sa atong OFW families with their family problems, kana ang atong ginatutukan para dili pud muabot sa point nga mudaghan ang atoang cases of abuse (At least, they will be provided guidance on how to access services for financial and, especially, psychological because a number of OFWs have family problems and this is to make sure that it will not reach the point that the problems become abuses),” Jayme said.
Jayme said those who want to seek assistance from their office may visit their help desk, located at the CSWDO office, call their official hotline 0962-996-6520, or leave a message on their Facebook Page. CIO
