Guv hails migrant workers as frontliners amid the pandemic

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said migrant workers have become worldwide frontliners in the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our OFWs range from health workers to service providers all over the world; the Filipino migrant workers have become worldwide frontliners in this pandemic,” Lacson said during the 2021 Migrant Workers Day celebration held at the Capitol Social Hall, Monday.

The activity attended by Negrense OFWs from different cities and towns of the province, was facilitated by Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental.

35 Negrense OFWs were given financial assistance worth P20,000 each under the Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay (BPBH) Program and Sa Pinas Ikaw ang Ma’am at Sir (SPIMS) Program.

The OFWs also received gift packs from OWWA and from Voice of the Free Foundation, respectively.

Lacson said that with the Migrant Workers Day celebration, the provincial government acknowledges the contribution of migrant workers to the economy and honor their sacrifices.

“Right now, we have thousands of distressed migrant workers all over the world; thousands are losing jobs abroad and are stranded. COVID-19 exposed anew the inequalities among societies and countries, thus the call for global solidarity in handling the difficulties and complications faced by migrant workers all over the world,” he added.

Also present in the activity were Salvacion Barrios, president of the OFW – Negros Occidental Federation, Inc.; Rizza Joy Moldes, OIC OWWA Region VI; Marie June Castro, Executive Assistant to the Governor; and Ana Lim of the Negros Occidental Provincial Planning and Development Office who is also the OFW Focal Designate. (With a report from capitol PIO)