Legarda Files Bill to Improve Welfare of OFWs

SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA HAS FILED A BILL TO BETTER PROMOTE THE WELFARE OF OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS (OFWS) THROUGH A NEW CHARTER FOR THE OVERSEAS WORKERS WELFARE ADMINISTRATION (OWWA).
“This legislative measure seeks to redefine the functions of OWWA as a national government agency vested with the special function of developing and implementing welfare programs that respond to the needs of member-OFWs and their families,” she explained.
Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, said that the promotion of the welfare of Filipinos abroad is one of the pillars of the country’s foreign policy.
“This proposed measure contained in Senate Bill 3395 is part of much needed reforms to effectively respond to the growing number of OFWs. Given the challenges that hardworking Filipinos encounter in foreign countries where their resources and avenues for protection are limited, we should certainly focus on this issue,” she remarked.
“Through this we will also establish clear-cut guidelines for the procedure for OWWA membership registration and renewal, ensure sufficiency of the agency’s operative budget to support full protection of OFW welfare, and create the OWWA Fund as a private fund held in trust,” Legarda concluded.