By Celeste T. Maring

Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III today launched the DOLE Hotline 1349 which will provide workers and employers

with 24/7 service on all labor and employment related queries.

“This is the Department’s contribution to ensure prompt and efficient government services to our workers. The 24/7 hotline service will also improve and strengthen employment promotion and respond to other labor related inquiries,” said Bello.

He added that the DOLE Hotline 1349 is in line with the directive of President Rodrigo R. Duterte for government agencies to ensure that queries and concerns of the public will be immediately acted upon.

Bello to workers: Dial 1349 for labor and employment queries and complaints

For DOLE Hotline 1349, the inquiries include local and overseas employment opportunities, employees’ rights and benefits, working conditions, wages, labor relations, and post- employment issues, among others.

Bello added that the call center is equipped with all the necessary facilities and is manned by DOLE employees who are knowledgeable enough to efficiently assist clients.

The DOLE hotline service officially starts operation today, 5 September. It is manned by 10 hotline assistance officers per shift.

The hotline assistance officers are required to provide the caller with the necessary information and refer the client to the appropriate agency if the request is not available.

LAUNCHING OF DOLE HOTLINE 1349. Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III, together with Undersecretaries Dominador R. Say, Ciriaco A. Lagunzad III, Danilo P. Cruz, and Joel B. Maglunsod, lead the inauguration of the upgraded DOLE 24/7 Hotline 1349 at the 4th Floor of DOLE Building in Intramuros, Manila.

2 September 2016

EditorGERRY S. RUBIO, OIC-Director, IPS

Associate EditorCATHERINE MARIE E. VILLAFLORES

Staff WritersCELESTE T. MARINGALTHEA LOUISE D. MAJANTEEPHANIE D. LADERAS

Graphic ArtistGREGORIO I. GALMAN

PhotographersJOMAR S. LAGMAYALEJANDRO P. ECHAVEZ

Circulation ManagerGIRLIE MARLYN E. ARCE

The DOLE Good News is published by the Department of Labor and Employment, with editorial office at the Information and Publication Service, 6th Floor, DOLE Building, Intramuros, Manila. The views expressed herein are those of the writers and/or their sources and do not necessarily reflect those of the DOLE’s or the Philippine Government’s.

Readers’ queries, comments, and suggestions are welcome. Mail or fax them in, or call us at telephone numbers 527-3000 loc. 621. Our fax number is 527-3446. You may also visit our website: www.dole.gov.ph.

DIANA JOYZ ESGUERRA - NCR

JULIENNE FORTUNATO - CAR

ARLY S. VALDEZ - Region 1

REGINALD B. ESTIOCO - Region 2

JEREMIAH M. BORJA - Region 3

FRANZ RAYMOND AQUINO - Region 4A

ROSEMARIE CAMPOS - Region 4B

RAYMOND P. ESCALANTE - Region 5

AMALIA N. JUDICPA - Region 6

LUCHEL TANIZA - Region 7

MELDY TABANAO - Region 8

GAY IRIS TANGCALAGAN - Region 9

MILDRED E. DABLIO - Region 10

SHERWIN B. MANUAL - Region 11

MICHELLE T. OLOG - Region 12

IRIS C. ASIS - Caraga

Contributing Regional Writers

Good NewsDEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT

DOLE Good News

Secretary Bello directs DOLE offices to step up provision of Assist WELL services for OFW returnees

Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III issued a Memorandum directing DOLE

concerned offices to strengthen the operations and services of the Assist WELL Center to ensure the provision of necessary assistance to returning overseas Filipino workers, especially those from the Middle East.

“The concerned DOLE offices must ensure that they are ready to provide assistance to our OFWs who are affected by the drop of oil price in the Middle East,” said Bello, adding that Assist WELL (Welfare, Employment, Legal, and Livelihood) is a package of comprehensive reintegration assistance and services that addresses the welfare, employment, livelihood, and legal assistance needs of repatriates and returning OFWs.

Bello ordered the DOLE offices and agencies to update the package of services and interventions provided to OFW returnees and to ensure that all components are enrolled in the Assist WELL e-Tracking System for

easier monitoring of the status of the assistance.

He also said that the said offices and agencies must make sure that all the Assist WELL Centers are manned by competent personnel. “There should always be regular senior level officers to take care of the day-to-day management of the Centers,” said Bello.

The Memorandum states that all home-based labor attaches and personnel for deployment who are under the immersion program are assigned to the Assist WELL Centers.

The Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) shall also register in the Assist WELL e-Tracking System to expedite the provision of assistance for repatriated OFWs.

The free services offered by the Assist WELL Center are stress debriefing or counselling by OWWA; local employment referral or job placement by DOLE Bureau of Local Employment; overseas employment referral or placement by POEA and its regional centers or extension offices;

livelihood assistance by OWWA and NRCO; legal assistance or conciliation services by the POEA, DOLE regional offices, and the Regional Coordinating Councils; and competency assessment and training assistance by TESDA.

At the National Capital Region, three Assist Well Processing Centers are established in the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO).

Assist WELL Processing Centers are also set up in the DOLE Regional Offices, under the supervision of the DOLE Regional Directors. These Centers are operated by designated technical and administrative personnel of the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) members, which is comprised of DOLE Regional Office, POEA Regional Extension Center or Extension Office, the OWWA Regional Office, TESDA Regional Office, the NRCO, and other RCC office members. (CTM)

DOLE SECRETARY MEETS THE FAMILIES OF OFWS IN KSA. Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III reaches out to the family members of Overseas Filipino Workers who were stranded in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the recent distribution of relief and financial assistance organized by the Philippine Licensed Recruitment Agencies (PLRAs) at Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

DOLE Good News

3September 2016

Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III has promised to establish more one-stop service

centers for overseas Filipino workers (OSSCO) in key areas in the country before the year ends.

In an interview with local and national media during the launching of the one-stop service center for OFWs at Clark Polytechnic in Jose Abad Santos Avenue, Clark Freeport Zone, Bello said DOLE will put up more one-stop service centers for OFWs in regions where there are heavy concentration of migrant Filipino workers.

“This will provide our OFWs the facility for obtaining their requirements for their efficient deployment,” the DOLE Secretary said during the launching of the third OSSCO in the country on 16 September.

“This is very significant because we know there are many OFWs who are from Pampanga. This will also motivate airline companies to establish their route at Clark International Airport,” said Bello.

The labor secretary said the Emirates Airline is considering on opening a Saudi Arabia-Clark International Airport route. “There is a move to put an alternative international airport. Mas preferred na nila [international airline companies] rito because of the traffic situation [at NAIA],” he said.

Central Luzon, according to estimates of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, has the third biggest number of overseas-based Filipinos, after CALABARZON (Region IV-A) and National Capital Region.

“Gusto kong iparating sa ating mga kababayan, lalo na dito sa Pampanga, na meron na po tayong one-stop service center para sa mga OFWs, dahil ang hangarin ng ating Pangulong Rodrigo R. Duterte ay mapagaan ang trabaho ng ating mga migranteng manggagawa. Napakalapit sa puso ng ating Pangulo ang mga OFWs,” Bello said.

Bello also added that the establishment of OSSCO is in response to President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to government agencies to provide quick and efficient services to OFWs.

Earlier, Bello led the launching of an OFW one-stop service center, the second after POEA, at Lingap Pinoy Center, Robinson’s Mall in Puerto Princesa. He also informed that the next OFW centers will be established in other regional centers, such as those in San Fernando, La Union; Cebu; Cagayan de Oro; and Davao.

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, an attached agency of DOLE, launched the country’s first fully integrated one-stop service center for OFWs early last month.

The OSSCO is managed by the officers and representatives of government agencies providing frontline services to OFWs.

Bello vows to put up more one-stop service centers for OFWs nationwide

POEA provides documentation of land based and sea based workers, as well as workers-on-leave or Balik-Manggagawa; registration of land based worker-applicants; verification/certification of OFW records; and provision of legal assistance and response to queries; while OWWA handles the processing or renewal of the OWWA memberships.

The National Bureau of Investigation issues the NBI clearance, while the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) processes and issues Certificate of Live Birth, Certificate of Marriage, Certificate of Death, and Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR).

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) extends to OFWs the Departure Clearance Information, while the Department of Foreign Affairs provides passport processing assistance, including the Passport Validity Extension for Balik-Manggagawa (vacationing workers).

TESDA provides Competency Assessment, verification of Certificates and Special Order, assistance for replacement of National Certificates/Certificates of Competency (COC) and Training Assistance and Scholarship Program.

The Professional Regulations Commission issues professional license while the Maritime Industry Authority issues or revalidates the Seaman’s Book.

OFW clients can avail from Home Development Mutual Fund the processing of their Pag-IBIG Membership. At Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, they can pay PhilHealth contribution, as well as update their membership registration.

Services that can be availed of at the Social Security System are registration and membership data amendment; acceptance of loan and benefits claim applications; loan verification and status; UMID capturing and card releasing; and response to queries.

For clients wanting to access their required collegiate academic record, the Commission on Higher Education is ready to provide verification and authentication of school credentials services.

The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) handles travel tax payment; processing of travel tax exemption and reduced travel tax.

Lastly, the National Reintegration Center for OFWs provides livelihood assistance and other reintegration services for returning OFWs.

By Gerry S. Rubio

ONE-STOP SHOP SERVICE CENTER IN REGION 9. Heads of the government agencies comprising the One-Stop Shop Service Center in Region 9, led by DOLE RO 9 Regional Director Sisinio B. Cano, sign the MOA on the operations of the Center at the OWWA Regional Welfare Office 9. (Photo by Karen Grafia, LCO-OWWA9)

DOLE Good News

4 September 2016

Through the Single Entry Approach (SEnA) mechanism, the DOLE-Legal Service has settled the monetary claims of a company

worker who was illegally dismissed by her former employer.

Mary Lissa Guzon, filed on 21 July 2016 a request for assistance (RFA) before the DOLE-Legal Service, alleging Filipino Human Hair, her previous employer, of committing illegal dismissal and non-payment of her separation pay.

After two conferences facilitated by Single Entry Approach Desk Officer (SEADO) Atty. Gilbert

DOLE helps former worker claim separation benefits through SEnA

Cacatian, an agreement was reached when Guzon voluntarily accepted the settlement offer of her former employer covering her financial assistance and final pay in the amount of P114,5160.

Guzon signed a clearance and quit claim from the company and thanked the DOLE-Legal Service for helping resolve the complaint she filed against her previous employer.

“Thank you po sa DOLE-Legal Service at tinulungan ninyo po akong ipursue ang aking complaint at makuha ang aking ipinaglalaban,” said Guzon.

The SEnA program is the DOLE’s alternative dispute resolution system that de-judicialize labor dispute settlement system through a 30-day mandatory conciliation-mediation in all labor cases.

By Teephanie D. Laderas with a report from Legal Service

THE DOLE’S SENA IN ACTION. Workers settle their money claims with their employer after an agreement was reached which was facilitated by a SEna Desk Officer.

DOLE Good News

5September 2016

DOLE Good News

A grassroots-based association of former overseas Filipino workers in La Union received P500 thousand worth of livelihood assistance from the Department of Labor and

Employment through its Regional Office in the Ilocos Region. DOLE-Regional Office No. 1 Director Grace Ursua and Aringay

Vice-Mayor Jacki Chan led the awarding of P500 thousand worth of livelihood package assistance to Asosasyon ti OFWs ken Pamilya da ti Aringay-Bannuar, a federation of barangay-based organizations of migrant workers from the different barangays of Aringay in La Union.

The assistance, which is in support to the association’s garments production project consist of equipment and trainings on business management, simplified bookkeeping and financial reports preparation.

The equipment include four high-speed sewing machines, three edging machines, six manual sewing machines, two orbit fans, raw materials, such as fabrics of various types and colors, threads, needles, tape measures, hip curves, L-squares, zippers, mono block chairs, tables, glass display cabinet, and aluminum ladder.

For its part, the local government unit shouldered P125 thousand for the project’s housing which is a two-storey building at the Aringay Civic Center located along the national highway. The second floor will serve as production area wherein all raw materials, equipment, tools, furniture and fixtures will be placed. The first floor will serve as display or storage area for finished products and waiting area for customers. Aside from this, the LGU will be providing for the beneficiaries’ micro-insurance, permits, licensing, and meals during the training period.

Some 18 members who are TESDA-certified dressmakers will be directly involved in the garments production.

“I know you have been waiting for this livelihood assistance. The challenge for you now is to manage it well and establish a sustainable source of income and employment for your members,” Director Ursua said.

A more sustainable livelihood activity awaits 60 ambulant vendors in Urbiztondo, Pangasinan after

receiving from the Department of Labor and Employment P900 thousand ‘Negosyo sa Kariton’ (Negokart) livelihood assistance, including a micro-insurance and skills training benefits.

The financial assistance will be used for the purchase of vending carts, tools, cooking utensils and raw materials which the beneficiaries can use as start-up capital to boost their existing small vending businesses. All of the beneficiaries will sell fish balls, “kikiam” and other street food in addition to their existing merchandise. Aside from the capital assistance, the beneficiaries will be enrolled in micro-insurance.

Bernadette May Mamitag, Head of the DOLE-Alaminos Field Office, turned over the check to Mayor Martin Raul Sison II at the municipal hall to enhance the livelihood projects to the 60 ambulant vendors under DOLE’s Negosyo sa Kariton (Negokart) program.

At present, the association is targeting as its market and customers the various elementary and secondary schools in the municipality, LGU employees, athletes and its 11 network partners in different towns in La Union.

Evelyn Dulay, the president of Asosasyon ti OFWs ken Pamilya da ti Aringay-Bannuar and vice-president of the Bannuar ti La Union, expressed her gratitude to DOLE for helping them establish a viable reintegration project.

A former OFW, Dulay, had tried her luck as household service worker in Singapore and in Qatar. Unfortunately, work in these countries did not lead to a better life that she wished for. After six months, she returned to the Philippines. She tried again to work overseas but her second attempt led her be victimized by an illegal recruiter.

This prompted her to join the Asosasyon ti OFWs ken Pamilya da ti Aringay-Bannuar, a federation of barangay-based organizations of migrant workers from the different barangays of Aringay in La Union.

Asosasyon ti OFWs ken Pamilya da ti Aringay-Bannuar has 50 members, while the Bannuar enjoys the membership of over 500 migrant worker returnees and families of OFWs mostly from the municipalities of Pugo, San Gabriel, Naguilian, Bauang, Sudipen, Santol, Aringay, Caba, Bacnotan, Luna and the City of San Fernando.

The organization is affiliated with the Bannuar ti La Union Federation, an association of migrant workers and their families that was established in 2001, and registered with the Department of Labor and Employment-Regional Office I in 2010.

“Hindi ko po mailarawan sa salita kung gaano po kami kasaya at nagpapasalamat sa pagkakataon na ibinigay ng gobyerno sa amin para mapabuti ang aming mga kabuhayan pagkatapos na kami ay hindi masyadong pinalad sa pakikipagsapalaran sa ibang bansa,” Evelyn said.

Also present were DOLE-La Union Field Office Head Agnes Aguinaldo, PESO Manager Julie San Andres, Labor and Employment Officer Janet Mendoza and some local government unit personnel. (ASV)

OFW returnees receive P500-K livelihood assistance from DOLE Ilocos Region

By Arly Sta. Ana-Valdez

DOLE awards P900-K for negokart business of vendors in Urbiztondo, Pangasinan

As its counterpart, the local government unit of Urbiztondo will provide P225 thousand to defray the expenses for the trainings on basic management and food handling and for the business permits and licenses.

Honorina Baga, head of Technical Services and Support Division (TSSD) of DOLE-Regional Office No. 1, said that the Negokart is part of the Kabuhayan component of the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP). It aims to contribute to poverty reduction and reduce vulnerability to risks of the poor, vulnerable and marginalized workers.

“One of the reasons for poverty is the lack of productive self-employment activities for our marginalized workers who comprise the bulk of our informal sector workers. Through our Negokart project assistance, we are increasing the capacities for economic improvement of our ambulant vendors in this part of Pangasinan,” TSSD chief Baga said.

She said the Negokart assistance will help

in increasing the capital of the beneficiaries and providing them greater mobility. Also, the beneficiaries will be given social protection through their micro-insurance and will be able to legally operate their small businesses.

“Napakalaking tulong po ang ipinagkaloob ng DOLE at lokal na pamahalaan ng Urbiztondo sa amin. Sa pamamagitan po ng negokart, madadagdagan ang aming kita para sa mas maayos na buhay at pag-aaral ng aking mga anak,” Rosalia Caguioa said.

Rosalia, 68 years old, is a widow from barangay Poblacion who has 10 children to support. With a “bilao” on her head, she moves around their barangay to peddle balut, chicharon and peanuts.

Once the vending cart will be awarded to her, Rosalia can bid her “bilao” goodbye and ride it on her way towards her family’s brighter future.

Also present during the awarding ceremony were Vice-Mayor Marilyn Sison, Chief Administrative Officer and PESO Manager Benigna Ramos, Labor and Employment Officer Mhel Gaspar and some LGU personnel.

DOLE Good News

6 September 2016

The Department of Labor and Employment is bringing OFWs and their families in Region III closer to agribusiness venture with the conduct of the first

phase of “Byaheng Agripreneur” which provides first-hand information on engaging into agricultural entrepreneurship.

Joined by some 43 OFWs and their families, the DOLE through National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) spearheaded the conduct of the program’s first level of implementation, in partnership with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration 3 (OWWA RWO 3) and Bulacan Family Circle Federation.

In the Phase I, or ‘learning journey’, the group visited the Duran Farm Agribusiness and Training Center Association, Inc in San Ildefonso, Bulacan, where participants were exposed to farm activities, such as planting and harvesting of crops.They alsovisited a vermiculture site which uses various breed of earthworms in composting.

Apart from onsite visit, Desiree Duran, the farm owner herself, shared her story and inspired the OFW would-be entrepreneurs to establish their own agribusiness.

“Ako po ay isang fish ball vendor lang noon na ngayon ay tinaguriang “Seedling Queen of Bulacan.” Malaki po ang naitulong sa akin ng training mula sa DA kung saan nagsimula akong mangarap at umaksyon para sa ikagaganda ng aking buhay. Kaya ngayon, ito na ang bunga ng lahat ng aking pangarap at paghihirap sa buhay,” Duran narrated.

“Sa pamamagitan ng Byaheng Agripreneur, nabigyan ako ng inspirasyon at nabuksan ang kaisipan sa pamamagitan ng agribusiness,” said Teresa Clemente, an OFW wife from Calumpit, Bulacan.

The members of the Integrated Livestock and Poultry Raisers’ Cooperative (ILIPCO) are now equipped with relevant information after undergoing a training on developing productivity based

incentive schemes (PBIS).The training was facilitated by the Regional Tripartite Wage and

Productivity Board Region- X (RTWPB) on at ILIPCO in Gusa, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental.

“The training was the Board’s response to ILIPCO’s intent to improve and institutionalize its PBIS,” Avila said.

The RTWPB has also encouraged the cooperative to apply for the Board’s Seal of Recognition, a stamp or hallmark given to enterprises implementing PBIS, as a way of recognizing and showcasing good practices. (TDL)

In Region III

DOLE-NRCO brings agribusiness closer to OFWsBy Teephanie D. Laderas

with a report from F. Palad

Byaheng Agripreneur is a convergence program between the DOLE and Department of Agriculture (DA), which provides, among others, trainings, resource persons, and knowledge products to heighten awareness of OFWs and their families on agricultural business.

The project covers three phases, or levels of implementation, which may be availed by regular OFW returnees and/or their family.

In Misamis Oriental

RTWPB helps cooperative improve its productivity incentive scheme

Desiree Duran, farm owner of Duran Farm Agribusiness and Training Center Association, Inc in San Ildefonso, Bulacan.

DOLE Good News

7September 2016

The Samahan Ng Mga Magulang at Guro ng Marcelo I. Cabrera Vocational High School

(MICVHS) and the Barangay Local Government Unit of Sta. Theresa both in Gloria, Oriental Mindoro received a total of P799,000 Kabuhayan grant from DOLE MIMAROPA through Oriental Mindoro Field Office.

The Municipality of Roxas through Mayor Violeta Dimapilis received P500,000 for Dressmaking Project under the municipality’s Bottom-Up Budgeting Program for the benefit of Samahan Ng Mga Magulang at Guro ng Marcelo I. Cabrera Vocational High School (MICVHS).

The awarding was done at the compound of MICVHS in the assembly of students, parents and teachers association’s officers and members, faculty members and staff from the Municipal Government of Roxas.

Also, in the same event, the new set of officers of the association took their Oath of Office before Mayor Dimapilis as sign of accepting their respective tasks in the upcoming dressmaking project.

DOLE-Oriental Mindoro awards P799-KKabuhayan grant to school org, LGU

According to the mayor, upon knowing of the awarding, she instructed the BAC Chairman to do the posting of the project immediately after the check had been turned over to them.

Another grant worth P299,000.00 for capacity building was released to the Barangay Local Government Unit of Sta. Theresa in the Municipality of Gloria in the presence of Mayor German D. Rodegerio.

The cash grant was intended for Bagoong Making & Tinapa Processing project of Sta. Theresa Fish Processing Association.

Both the new Local Chief Executives (LCEs) expressed gratitude to DOLE for the assistance provided. They also committed to provide assistance in monitoring the implementation of the projects.

Mayor Rodegerio, likewise emphasized that his office would be

By Antonio P. Portugal Jr.

The Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Dubai has oriented nine distressed OFWs

in preparation for their coming home after encountering employment difficulties.

Labor Attaché Ofelia Domingo of the POLO-Dubai said this in her report to Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III, adding that pieces of advice were given to these OFWs before returning to the Philippines.

“I reminded them that they may still venture on working abroad, but they need to prepare their skills, knowledge and attitude, and even consider the extent of social cost it would entail being away from home,” Domingo added.

The Labor Attaché also reported that she emphasized to the ward-

willing to assist should there be a plan for Sta. Theresa Fish Processing Association to improve its common service facility.

“You have to prove that you are worth the trust given by DOLE. That’s why you have to work with commitment for the sustainability of the projects,” Mayor Rodegerio said.

DOLE-OrMin Field Office Head Juliana H. Ortega congratulated the recipients. She also encouraged for the immediate liquidation from both LGUs to sustain the projects. She also announced that the DOLE Field Office will conduct quarterly monitoring of the status of project implementation.

With the awarding of these two projects, DOLE has once again extended its services to 161 individuals by giving them opportunity to improve their livelihood and become self-reliant.

In Dubai, POLO orients 9 distressed OFWs on reintegration programs before repatriation

departees that there are certain options available in the Philippines which they can avail, like the reintegration program offered by the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO).

“Social Welfare Attaché Isabel Nillas, also oriented the ward-departees on the 4Ps and discussed other assistance that they can avail of from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD),” Labatt Domingo said.

Aside from the orientation-sessions, tokens, such as bunches of chocolates and cash assistance were given to the wards before leaving the Center.

“Not anymore,” said Mae Ann, an OFW housed at Migrant Workers and Other Overseas Filipinos Resource Center (MWOFRC), who was a victim of illegal recruitment, when

asked if she would take another try working abroad.

In a report of POLO-Dubai, the nine OFWs are among the 161, or 76 percent of the total number of wards released out of the 212 total number of OFWs accommodated at MWOFRC since January 2016.

On the average, there are 52 wards being housed at the Center every month, with the highest at 65 and lowest at 38.

“From this, the average number of wards released per month is 29, with the highest at 34 and 26 at lowest, or a total of 56 percent number of wards released per month at the Center,” said Domingo.

“This is reflective of POLO-Dubai’s commitment to undertake an improved and facilitative way of looking into the resolution of the cases of the wards in the Center, thus repatriating our distressed OFWs,” she added. (POLO-Dubai Report/Tim Laderas)

Good NewsDepartment of Labor and Employment SEPTEMBER2016

For OFW returnee Marizon Ortega, a Zamboangaeña, and now a licensed public school teacher, her inclusion in the DOLE-DepEd’s program, “Sa

‘Pinas, Ikaw ang Ma’am/Sir” came timely just when she needed it most.

Ortega was recently appointed as Teacher I by the Department of Education (DepEd) after initially qualifying and passing the program’s screening process.

“Sa ‘Pinas, Ikaw ang Ma’am/Sir” (SPIMS) is a convergence program of the Department of Labor and Employment-National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO), and the DepEd.

“I got the news that I was part of the program while I was at the airport in Manila for my flight bound to Zamboanga. It was around in the afternoon when I got hold of the list provided by the NRCO through its Facebook account,”she narrated.

Ortega said that the main reason why she worked abroad is because of financial constraints.

“With the meager financial resource that I have, I decided to resign from my P8,000.00monthly teaching job at a public school in Cebu Cityto pursue an overseas job,” she said.

Ortega opted to work overseas for seven years as a Science Teacher and acted as Head of Science Department, and Coordinator of the Science Olympiad in an International School in Mongolia.

It was during the near completion of her work contract when she decided return to the Philippines for good.

“During that time, I have made up my mind to return to the Philippines. It was the last year of my contract and I did not intend to renew it for another three years because I really wanted to go home,” Ortega said.

“I felt that there is need for me to compensate for my presence in order to provide time, company and guidance to my children,” she added.

Ortega is beaming with gratitude for her permanent job in the country.

Aside from getting her job, Ortega was also provided with a teaching starter kit amounting to P10,000.00, sourced from the NRCO livelihood funds.

The teaching starter kit, which will aide her in her area of assignment, include a computer-tablet, voice-aide lapel, as well as reference and writing materials, among others.

Ortega is presently assigned at the Zamboanga City National High School West where she handles Science classes and acts as Human Resource Officer.

“Being an OFW is a very tough job. You are not just affected because of distance but you also fear for your safety. The only shield that you have is your prayers and faith to the Almighty God that everything will be in the right place. It is thus important to be very strong always and look at the brighter side of life,” Ortega said.

Through ‘Sa ‘Pinas, Ikaw ang Ma’am/Sir,’ former OFW now teaches at her homeland

By Teephanie D. Laderas with report from S. Mendizabal