KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – Highlighting the province’s active drive to transform migration into sustainable local wealth, 111 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from South Cotabato took center stage as the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Regional Welfare Office XII, in solid partnership with the Provincial Government, mobilized around 600 participants for the “Alagang OWWA: Conference and National Congress for Reintegration cum Membership Promotion” on Thursday at the South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center.
OWWA RWO XII OIC-Assistant Regional Director, Jeanette E. Escaño, emphasized that its collaboration with partner agencies and LGUs strengthens the government’s efforts to protect the welfare and rights of migrant workers while ensuring that services remain accessible and responsive to their evolving needs.
“Our partnerships reflect our commitment to delivering responsive, accessible, and people centered services throughout the stage of the OFW journey, from pre-employment and overseas deployment to on-site assistance, repatriation and reintegration, and families support. Here in Region XII, the DMW and the OWWA, continue to work hand and hand that no OFWs will leave behind including their families,” Escaño said.
Anchored on the theme, “Strengthening Reintegration Pathways through Accessible Services, Capacity Building, and Partnerships,” the conference aimed to bring government services closer to OFWs and their families by providing access to membership verification, social benefits orientation, livelihood and enterprise assistance, scholarship opportunities, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and employment programs.
The event drew around 600 participants, including 450 OFWs and their families, 120 representatives from partner agencies and stakeholders, and 30 OWWA Regional Welfare Office XII personnel.
Representing Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., Board Member Anabelle Pingoy, chairperson of the Committee on Civil Service, Labor, and Employment of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of South Cotabato, underscored the importance of helping returning OFWs build sustainable lives in their home communities.
“Sa ating mga kababayang OFWs, taos-puso po ang aming pagpupugay sa inyong lahat. Today is not only a celebration of your sacrifices but also a celebration of new beginnings. Reintegration is about creating opportunities for you to apply the knowledge, skills, and experiences you have gained overseas to build a better future,” Pingoy stressed.
Among the participants was Melanie S. Magno of Barangay Namnama, City of Koronadal, who welcomed the initiative, said it equipped OFWs with information on government programs that can help them transition successfully upon returning home.
“Dako gid ang akon pasalamat sa OWWA kag sa Provincial Government sang South Cotabato tungod sa sini nga programa. Dako ini nga bulig sa amon nga mga OFWs kay mas naintindihan namon ang mga benepisyo kag mga oportunidad nga mahimo namon mapuslan sa pagbalik namon sa Pilipinas,” Magno said.
The activity reaffirmed OWWA RWO XII’s commitment, together with the Provincial Government of South Cotabato and partner agencies, to strengthen reintegration initiatives and expand opportunities for OFWs and their families across Region XII.
