Covid-19 pandemic worsened migration problems

By Dolly Yasa

 

BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic worsened issues and problems of migration, causing the displacement of thousands of Filipino migrant workers all over the world.

This was Lacson’s message during a forum on Migration and Development, and Reintegration for Negros Occidental OFWs held at the Provincial Capitol.

The event was jointly organized by the Provincial Government and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Thursday.

The event attended by OFWs associations from the different LGUs aims to address the numerous issues concerning migration and enhance government interventions.

“We shall not waiver in our efforts to boost the positive, and reduce the negative effects of labor migration, and to protect our fellow Negrenses who leave in the hope of finding a better future for their families in lands not their own,” the governor said.

He added that the effective collaboration between the national government, LGUs, non-government organizations (NGOs) and other stakeholders is necessary to successfully address the multi-faceted concerns of the Filipino migrant workers.

The families of OFWs who died due to COVID-19 in countries where they used to work, and the beneficiaries of the Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay were also given financial assistance as part of the day’s activity.

Lacson received a Plaque of Recognition from OWWA Region 6 in recognition of the invaluable repatriation and reintegration services to the OFWs in Western Visayas during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

OWWA-6 officer-in-charge Rizza Joy Moldes gave the award.

He also received a token from the Federation of OFW-Negros Occidental for his effort in helping Negrense OFWs.

The PCMD officers, with the governor as chairman also signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Provincial Government, OFW Negros Occidental Federation, Inc., and Center for Migrant Advocacy Philippines, Inc. for the establishment of a migrant center at the provincial level that aims to address the need for better migration assistance and governance.

Also present in the activity were Board Members Ryan Gamboa and Andrew Montelibano, Negros Occidental Provincial Administrator, Atty. Rayfrando Diaz, Executive Assistant to the Governor and PCMD Secretary, Marie June Castro, and OFWNOFI president, Sally Barrios, among others.

The activity was themed, “Pamilya sang mga OFW, Naga-isa Para sa Katin-aran”. (With a report from Capitol PIO)