BY DANIE MAE FAJARDO-DELA CRUZ
MANILA – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has taken the initiative to help overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) own a home in an affordable way. It is partnering with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) to realize this.
“Mahalaga na may nakalaan na mga pabahay units sa ating OFWs dahil ito ay pangarap nila at bilang pagkilala na din sa kanilang napakalaking ambag sa ating bansa,” said Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople.
She signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Housing Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar on June 13.
“We commit to assist our modern-day heroes in realizing their dreams to have a house. Isang malaking karangalan po para sa akin na makapag-silbi kahit papaano sa ating mga bayaning OFWs,” said Acuzar.
DMW shall assist eligible OFWs who may access appropriate housing programs and services of the DHSUD.
It shall also designate the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) as its focal office to coordinate and implement the MOU with the DHSUD.
On the other hand, the DHSUD shall provide a list of relevant housing programs and services for eligible OFWs and their families. It shall also designate a dedicated 4PH Project Management Office to act as the focal office to implement the MOU with the DMW.
Ople also signed an agreement with the Pag-IBIG Fund represented by its Chief Executive Officer Marilene Acosta.
Pag-IBIG Fund will conduct education and information campaigns among OFWs for membership into the fund and to encourage availment of the 4PN program for OFWs.
It shall also conduct projects to promote financial literacy among OFWs that shall help build their appreciation for savings and capacity to manage investments.
The DMW, on the other hand, shall provide platforms and venues for the PAG-IBIG to promote its programs and services among OFWs supporting especially their reintegration.
According to Ople, a recent Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas consumer report stated that 12.9 percent of surveyed OFWs set aside part of their remittances to purchase a house./PN
