Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has urged the government to prioritize the safety and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) amidst escalating risks abroad. The former senator’s renewed emphasis on OFW protection stems from recent incidents, highlighting the critical need for more robust measures to safeguard Filipinos working overseas. This call underscores the government's crucial role in ensuring the well-being of its citizens who contribute significantly to the national economy.
Pangilinan's advocacy comes as various crises, from armed conflicts to human trafficking, continue to expose OFWs to grave dangers. He is particularly vocal about strengthening diplomatic efforts and enhancing bilateral labor agreements to provide a more secure environment for Filipino migrant workers. His proposals aim to create a more responsive and protective framework for OFWs, addressing both immediate threats and underlying vulnerabilities.
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Protecting Modern-Day Heroes
Senator Pangilinan asserts that the government has a profound moral and constitutional obligation to protect OFWs, often hailed as the nation’s “modern-day heroes.” This commitment extends beyond mere rhetoric, requiring tangible actions to ensure their security and welfare. The recent unfortunate death of Filipina caregiver Leah Mosquera in Israel due to a missile attack and the sinking of MV Eternity C in the Red Sea, involving 21 Filipino crew members, serve as stark reminders of the perils OFWs face in various high-risk regions. In response to such tragedies, Pangilinan pushes for prompt government action to secure their safety.
“The government has a moral and constitutional obligation to protect our OFWs, our modern-day heroes,” Pangilinan highlighted.
He advocates for increased funding for legal assistance and a thorough review of policies concerning the deployment of migrant workers. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of real-time monitoring of Filipinos in high-risk areas to enable swift responses to emergencies. Such proactive measures are crucial for mitigating risks and providing timely aid to distressed workers.
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Long-Term Solutions and Economic Reintegration
Beyond immediate safety concerns, Pangilinan also stresses the importance of long-term economic solutions within the Philippines to lessen the dependence on overseas employment. He pointed out that economic hardship at home often forces many Filipinos to seek risky jobs abroad, making them vulnerable to exploitation and abuse in foreign labor markets. His vision involves creating a domestic economy strong enough that "no Filipino is forced to leave the country just to survive."
“We have to create an economy at home where no Filipino is forced to leave the country just to survive,” Pangilinan reiterated.
To achieve this, he proposes stricter regulation of recruitment agencies, faster legal assistance for OFWs, and expanded reintegration programs for those returning home. Investment in food security and rural livelihoods is also key to ensuring that OFWs have viable options to return and remain with their families. These comprehensive solutions aim to address the root causes of OFW vulnerability, paving the way for a more sustainable future for Filipino workers.
