Travel Philippines Show offers MEGA VACATION SALE to OFW’s and families

Travel  Philippines  Show  continues   to  offer  its  beneficiaries  education  support  through the  annual  event  on  Dec. 7, 8 & 9, 2012  in Megatrade  Halls  , SM Megamall.  On  its  3rd  year,  Travel  Philippines  show  offers  MEGA  VACATION  SALE  to  invited  OFWs, Balikbayans  and  their  families.  MEGA  Vacation SALE  is  the  showcase  exhibit participated in  by  different  hotels, travels  and  tours  as  well as airlines  and  transportation  who  are  providing   discounted  packages  to   over  6000 invited  OFW's , Balikbayans  and  families.

"Travel  Philippines  Show  is  already  providing  education  support  to  over  a  hundred  Dumagat  children  in  Antipolo  every  year. Under  the  " LAKBAY  'PINAS , SCHOOL SUPPORT TO  DUMAGATS, "  campaign, It  aims  to continuously  support the  education of   Dumagat  children, "  said  Ex-link  Events' Project  Director, Mitch  Ballesteros.

Travel  Philippines  Show  is  a  twin  event  of  the  grandest  OFW/ Balikbayans  event  in Megamall  during  Dec  which  is  on its  9th year  already - the  Mega  Balikbayan / OFW Balikbayans Expo (  MBOX). This is  in  celebration of  Christmas  vacation  of  most  OFW's  and  Balikbayan  in the  Philippines  to  celebrate  family  bonding  and  reunions.

Mega Balikbayan /OFW  Expo  also  features "  OFW  Business  Summit  "  which  aims  to  educate  OFW's  and  their  families  to  venture  into business  and  help  create  job  for  fellow  Filipinos  and  contribute  to Philippine  economic  growth  through  entrepreneurship.

Education and Training Benefits for OFWs from OWWA

Here are the education and training benefits for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) offered by OWWA.

1. Skill-for-Employment Scholarship Program (SESP) A technical or vocational training accredited by government institutions granted to member-OFWs or their dependents/beneficiaries in the form of financial assistance of Php14,500.00 maximum.
   
   
2. Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) A scholarship granted to qualified dependents/beneficiaries of active member-OFWs for a college degree (4-5 years), in the form of financial assistance of Php 60,000.00 per school year.
   
   
3. Seafarers’ Comprehensive Education and Training Programs
   • Seafarers’ Upgrading Program (SUP) A training assistance to member-seafarers in upgrading their skills and competencies to sustain their employability on board foreign-going vessels in the form of financial assistance of Php7,500.00.
     
   • Maritime Dugtong Aral (MDA) A scholarship granted to qualified graduates of BS Mechanical Engineering (BSME) or BS Electrical Engineering (BSEE), who wish to pursue a BS Marine Engineering (BSMarE) Course.
     
   • Cadetship Program for Top 200 Maritime Cadets A financial incentive granted to the top 200 cadets (Deck and Engine) to ensure completion of their course and employability on board foreign-going vessel.
     
   • Martime Educational Development Loan Program (MEDLOP) An interest free educational loan (Study Now Pay Later) to prospective marine officers and engineers with guaranteed employment on-board foreign-going vessel.

PhilHealth assures repatriated OFWs can still avail of benefits

The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) today assured that Filipino workers who have been repatriated from Libya and other countries can still avail of their health insurance coverage in case their legal dependents in the country are hospitalized. 

"We want to assure our OFW-members that should hospitalization needs arise, they may still avail themselves of their PhilHealth benefits, provided the period of confinement is within the effectivity period of their coverage," Rey Aquino, PhilHealth president and chief executive officer, said in a statement.

Aquino said said that OFWs may still use the unexpired portion of their PhilHealth coverage as indicated in their enhanced member data records.

He, however, said that the overseas Filipino worker's contribution should be updated and their premiums are paid regularly and on time by his employer to be able to avail of the benefits.


"Employers of sea-based OFWs must ensure that they remit their employees’ premiums regularly and on time, including their counterpart contributions as employers, to ensure that these OFWs or their legal dependents, are able to avail themselves of their PhilHealth benefits when they need these most," he said.

The PhilHealth's Overseas Workers Program (OWP) covers all land-based overseas Filipino workers whose jobs are covered by appropriate job contracts with overseas-based employers. Sea-based OFWs, meanwhile, are covered under the employed sector.

Among the in-patient medical care benefits that OFWs and other PhilHealth members may avail of are allowances for hospital room and board fees, drugs and medicines, X-ray and laboratory fees, as well as allowances for the use of operating room complex and for the professional fees of attending physicians.

These benefits may be availed of in accredited institutional health care facilities in the country.
The PhilHealth said it has more than two million OFW-members.


Source: PhilStar

Expanded OFW protection

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), together with the Department of Foreign Affairs and other government agencies with overseas Filipino workers-related mandates, yesterday issued the rules and regulations covering the implementation of Republic Act No. 10022, shifting up to a higher gear the government of President Benigno S. Aquino III toward the protection of the welfare and interest of eight million overseas Filipino workers.

R. A. 10022 is officially titled the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995, As Amended, Further Improving the Standard of Protection and Promotion of the Welfare of Migrant Workers, Their Families and Overseas Filipinos in Distress, and For Other Purposes.

 

“The implementation of R. A. 10022 is a challenge that puts the DOLE at an even bigger forefront of OFW social protection,” said Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, who had brushed aside comments that OFWs had been “forgotten” when President Aquino did not mention them in his State of the Nation Address last Monday.

 

“This is the government’s answer to those comments,” she said, noting that with R.A. 10022, the groundwork has been laid for the expanded protection of the country’s “modern-day heroes” in pursuit of the President’s 22-point agenda for labor and employment.

 

Baldoz emphasized that 11 of the 22 items in the agenda are OFW-related and that the 11 agenda items are for the protection of OFWs and for enhancing their competitiveness.

The rules and regulations spell out in details the salient protective measures of the new law, among which are:

1. Emphasis on stronger bilateral and multilateral relations with receiving countries for protection. Interpreting provision of free skills and livelihood programs as expanding free access to such programs;
2. Criteria for host countries (guaranteeing protection), subject to concurrence to “take positive and concrete measures” to protect the rights of migrant workers; and clarifying a three-step process that involves a) DFA certifications on compliance by host countries; b) POEA resolution allowing deployment to complying host countries; and c) POEA processing of workers’ documents to countries identified in POEA resolutions.
3. Inclusion of amendments to prohibited acts that may constitute illegal recruitment by licensed and unlicensed agencies, as well as other prohibited acts, such as loans, decking practice in OFW medical examinations; and recruitment by suspended agencies;
4. Anti-illegal recruitment programs that include institutionalizing the role of LGUs; added capability of POEA lawyers; prosecution; and operation and surveillance to apprehend illegal recruiters;
5. Money claims. Inclusion of voluntary arbitration;
6. Repatriation and mechanism for repatriation. Responsibility for repatriation with principal/employer and licensed recruitment agency; 48-hour notice rule and 15-day period  for countries with exit visa requirements; provisions on repatriation of underage workers and asserting penalties and liabilities for recruiters who recruit underage migrant workers;
7. Overseas Filipino Resource Centers will now have additional required personnel, such as psychologists, etc. and be under direct POLO supervision;
8. Institutionalizing the National Reintegration Center for OFWs;
9. Protection from abusive medical clinics;
10. Ensuring the use of the legal assistance fund for foreign lawyers and attorneys’ fees and for filing of cases against erring or abusive employers;
11. Compulsory insurance to cover agency-hired workers for accidental death, natural death, permanent total disablement, repatriation costs, subsistence allowance benefit, money claims, compassionate visit, medical evaluation, and medical repatriation.

 “With the publication of the implementing rules and regulations, I now direct the family of agencies under the DOLE that have OFW-related mandates to craft their own internal rules and regulations for the smooth operationalization and implementation of the provisions of the law,” Baldoz said.

Source:

DoLE

Five courses offered for OFWs in Saipan

The Philippine Consulate General, through its Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Saipan, announced the opening of registration for five courses that will be offered to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the first quarter of this year.

The five courses are to be offered are the following:

-Basic English Language Development Course (10 Sessions). It will be held every Saturday, 2pm to 5pm, from Feb. 20 to April 24.

-Basic Computer Operation 2 (8 Sessions). It will be held every Saturday, from 6pm to 9pm, from Feb. 20 to April 10.

-Home Decor + Sewing (8 Sessions). It will be held every Sunday, 9am to 12pm, from Feb. 21 to April 11.

-Basic Nihongo (8 Sessions). It will be held every Sunday, 2:30pm to 5:30pm, from Feb. 21 to April 11.

-Intermediate English (8 Sessions). No specific schedule yet. It will be held either Saturdays or Sundays in March.

Registration starts on Monday, Feb. 8, 2010, until Feb. 19, 2010. Slots shall be on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants are requested to bring their umbrella permit or work entry permit and passport.

For inquiries, visit the POLO at the ground floor of Marianas Business Plaza or call telephone nos. 235-3411 or 235-6992.

Source:
SaipanTribune.com

PhilHealth now caters OFWs in Hong Kong

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is proud to announce that their services including membership updates and renewal, claims and benefits, and premium remittance concerns.

PhilHealth mobile officers will get in touch with Filipino organizations in Hong Kong so that OFWs will be informed with the agency’s programs and services.

PhilHealth Vice President and Bicol regional director Orlando Inigo explained that a confinement of an OFW shall be paid based on the benefit rates of a Level 3 hospital, with the validity period of his contribution being the eligibility requirement.

Aside from Hong Kong, PhilHealth will also extends its programs and services in Macau, Singapore and Saudi Arabia, OFWs hot destinations.

Shorter Work Week for OFWs

Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are now working less than five days a week to save jobs instead of going home.

“Instead of returning home, our workers in Taiwan are working so flexible work scheme saved their employment,” Jackson Gan, Pilipino Manpower Agencies Accredited to Taiwan (PILMAT) president explained.

He said that Factories in Taiwan employing Filipino workers have adopted flexible working scheme under the supervision of the Council of Labor Affairs (CLA).

“Foreign workers, including Filipinos are benefiting from the policy because they have work and are guaranteed to receive their monthly salary even if they are reporting for work less than what was stipulated in their contracts,” Gan pointed out.

Gan also clarified that the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) has nothing do with the adoption of flexible working scheme among Filipino workers contrary to the claim of Migrante International.

According to Gan, MECO is having a negotiation with the CLA for possible job opportunities for those OFWs who have been laid-off due to the global financial crisis.

Gan also said that militant groups including Migrante should just come out with programs to help displaced workers instead of issuing false information.

Source:
Mayen Jaymalin
PhilStar

Globe launches DOLE call, text, and online hotline service

DOLE and Globe champion the cause of Pinoy workers here and abroad
Globe Telecom firmly believes in the Filipino workers as the country’s modern-day heroes. This is the reason why Globe partners with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to help our modern-day heroes every step of the way.

CALL 2917 (FREE calls for Globe and TM)
Need help on work and livelihood programs? Call a DOLE, OWWA, OR POEA representative now. Just dial 2-917. Free for all Globe and Globe Landlines subscribers!

TEXT DOLE and send to 2910
Always on the go? Ask a DOLE, OWWA, POEA representative via text. Just key in DOLE and send to 2910. You can also register your mobile number to receive alerts from DOLE on job vacancies, and other updates.

Visit www.dole2917.com.ph for more information

Seafarer's Upgrading Program (SUP)

The Seafarer's Upgrading Program (SUP) is another scholarship program offered by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) for Filipino seafarers who wants to upgrade their skills and develop the expertise of Filipino seafarers so they can compete with the technological advancements and international maritime standards.

The OWWA aims to provide the seafarer members a job-related training in priority maritime courses identified by the Maritime Training Council.

continue reading...

The Language Training and Culture Familiarization Program

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Language Training and Culture Familiarization program aims to equip overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) with basic knowledge in the language and culture of their host country. This is to ensure a harmonious relationship with the foreign employer and better job performance, hence will help them cope with the new working environment.

The Language Training and Culture Familiarization is a Pre-Departure Program of OWWA and a mandatory requirement for departing first-time OFWs, primarily the Household Service Workers (HSWs). Experienced OFWs are also welcome to attend the training. An instructor will evaluate their language and culture knowledge and if they are seen as proficient in the language and with ample knowledge of the culture of the host country, a Certificate of Competency will be awarded. After completing the program, participants will receive Certificate of Attendance.

continue reading...

Labor Education for OFWs in Korea

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Korea that aims to protect the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) working under the Employment Permit System (EPS) in the country.

According to POEA Administrator Rosalinda Baldoz the labor education will also lessen labor disputes between the OFWs and their Korean employer.

The International Labor Organization (ILO) emphasize the need to educate foreign workers, including Filipinos, in occupational safety and health, and Korean labor laws such as the Labor Standards Act, Minimum Wage Act, and the Foreign Employment Act, particularly during their pre-departure training.

Several seminars regarding occupational safety and health and Korean labor laws have been conducted for Filipino community leaders who currently work under the EPS-Korea.

The MOU was signed by DOLE Undersecretary Luzviminda Padilla, Baldoz, and KLEI President Han Seung Sun signed the MOU at the POEA office on May 2.

Source:
PIA

POEA eases OFW exit procedure at airports

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration is dropping the validation of documents of OFWs leaving through its labor assistance counters (LAC) at international airports in compliance
with the directive of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to further streamline processes in the deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Administrator Rosalinda Dimaplis-Baldoz said starting March 24, 2008, departing OFWs shall present the exit clearance or overseas employment certificate issued by the POEA directly
to the airline counters, terminal fee counters, and the Bureau of Immigration counters.

The POEA labor assistance counter shall remain open 24/7, but its services shall be limited to assisting OFWs with documentation problems, issuing overseas employment certificates (OEC) to OFWs leaving the country within 24 hours, and dissemination of information and education materials to OFWs and families.

The implementation of the new procedure coincides with the start of the peak season when thousands of OFWs are expected to return to their job sites after attending the graduation of their family members, and observing Holy Week in the country.

The POEA has labor assistance counters at NAIA 1, NAIA 2, Mactan International Airport, Davao International Airport, and Diosdado Macapagal International Airport.

POEA

How to become more competitive: The Tulay Microsoft Program

The Tulay or Bridge Education Program aims to train overseas Filipino worker with the use of the internet. This would help both of them to access the technology that would serve as bridge to communicate with each other.

The Tulay Microsoft Project was launched by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and was made possible through the partnership of Microsoft Philippines. This program is under the Microsoft’s Unlimited Potential (UP).

The project primarily aims to provide technology and skills for underserved individuals. Through the Tulay Microsoft Project, OFWs and their families will learn to use basic functionalities of computer such as MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel as well as the internet and e-mail use at the Community Technology Learning Centers (CTLC).

for complete details of the article please click this link:
http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item.php?articleid=775

How to be an OWWA Scholar: Skills-for-Employment Scholarship Program (SESP)

The Skills for Employment Scholarship Program (SESP) is another scholarship program offered by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) for the land-based or sea-based OWWA member-OFWs of to their dependents/beneficiaries.

The SESP was made possible with the coordination of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). This scholarship program offers six-month vocational and one year technical course following the regular school year calendar.

The qualified applicant for one year technical course will receive P14,000 financial assistance while P7,250 will be granted for six-month vocational course. The financial assistance will be given directly to the training institute where the dependents/beneficiaries enrolled.

For complete details of the article please click this link:
http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item.php?articleid=773

How to Avail the OWWA Scholarships

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) aims to protect and promote the welfare and well-being of Overseas Filipino Workers. In lieu with this, OWWA offers scholarships, insurance and educational program for OFWs and their dependents. This article would give you an idea of what you need to present to avail of the said programs.

There are five education and training programs offered by OWWA; Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP), Skills-for-Employment Scholarship Program (SESP), Seafarers’ Upgrading Program (SUP), DOLE-OWWA-Tulay Microsoft Project and Tuloy-Aral Project.

Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP)
The Education for Scholarship Program (EDSP) grants a 4 to 5 year baccalaureate course offered by a CHED-accredited college or university. The scholarship is given to qualified beneficiaries/dependents of OWWA member-OFWs. The OWWA gives P30,000 per semester and pay the tuition fee directly to the school. They release the remaining amount after the scholar submits the grades for the semester.

For complete details of the article please click this link:
http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item.php?articleid=769

Health package for OFWs and Dependents

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhiliHealth) has expanded the Out-patient benefit package to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their dependents to “Enhanced Overseas Workers Program Out-patient Benefit Package”.

The PhilHealth, together with the Department of Health (DOH) has allocated P6 million for the realization of the health package. This package will also benefit the OFWs and their dependents.

The expanded health benefits covers consultations, diagnostic services (blood count, urinalysis, fecalysis, blood typing, blood sugar, hemoglobin/hematocrit, electrocardiogram and hepatitis B screening test; preventive health services such as periodic digital rectal exam; visual acetic screening for cervical cancer, clinical breast exam, nutrition or dietary counseling.

The following is also covered by the package: visual acuity exams, psychological evaluation and debriefing, auditory evaluation and treatment for UTI, upper respiratory tract infection and acute gastroenteritis.

For complete details of the article please click this link:
http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item.php?articleid=792

OWWA to set up Pension fund for OFWs

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is planning to set up a pension fund for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) once they decided to stop working overseas and stay in the country instead.

The OWWA Administrator Marianito Roque said that their agency is studying if they can possibly offer a pension fund for OFWs who will soon retire after several years of working overseas.

“I don’t want to go into details yet. We’re studying it and we will submit our report before the yearend,” the administrator said.

He also added that some OFWs requested if they can create a retirement fund for them as they see themselves jobless once they choose not to work overseas anymore. Since the monthly pension from the Social Security Service (SSS) won’t be enough to finance them once they retire.

For complete details of the article please click this link:
http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item.php?articleid=772

Strictly No Placement Fee for HSWs

The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) has issued a guidelines on the implementation of the reform package for household service workers (HSWs) on December 2006 that no placement fee would be asked from these workers.

On the report that DoLE Secretary Arturo Brion received from Labor Attache Romy Salud of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Hong Kong shows that Filipino HSWs deployed here complained about the promise of the recruiters that they can refund their placement fees after their deployment.

Secretary Brion advised HSWs jobseekers for abroad that they should be wary of either agencies or individuals who may ask them of a placement fees and promised that they can get it back after their deployment.

For complete details of the article please click this link:
www.ofwguide.com/aticle_item.php?articleid=771

Computer Training Centers for OFWs in Italy

The Microsoft Tulay project has put up computer training centers in several countries including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore and Saudi Arabia since the project began three years ago.

Currently there are two computer centers funded in Italy located in Rome and Milan. These training centers benefit about 200,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) there. The training centers will train OFWs to communicate through the use of email or instant messaging with video to their families in the Philippines.

According to Mae Rivera-Moreno, Microsoft's PR and community affairs manager in the Philippines, “We found out that most of our OFWs in Italy return home usually after at least eight years. A lot of families get broken as a result of the great distance and time apart,” she said.
For complete details of the article please click this link:
www.ofwguide.com/article_item.php?articleid=726

OWWA Provides Scholarships for OFW Dependents

Every parent dreams of seeing their sons or daughters received that much coveted college diploma. True enough, the high cost of education and few employment opportunities in the Philippines are some reasons why many Filipinos want to work abroad.

One project of Overseas Workers and Welfare Administration (OWWA) understands and address this need by providing 100 scholarship grants for deserving OFW dependents.

Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who are active OWWA members may apply their qualified dependents to be a possible scholar. Chosen scholars can enroll to any four or five-year course in college.

For complete details of the article please click this link:
http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item.php?articleid=745