BACOLOD City – The Provincial Government of Negros Occidental has led the local government units (LGUs) in formalizing a partnership with the state labor agencies against illegal recruiters in the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol Social Hall on Jan 30.
The ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on the convergence of the Illegal Recruitment-free (IR-free) was attended by the mayors, vice mayors, and representatives of the 19 municipalities and 13 cities, including the capital city.
Under the agreement, the signatories agreed to cooperate in the capability building of LGU-partners and local stakeholders, public information and worker education on overseas employment, the establishment of overseas Filipino worker (OFW) help desks, IR-free LGU campaign, data collection and management on OFWs and their families, and employment and livelihood programs.
It also stated that after 30 days that the agreement was signed, the Technical Working Group (TWG) will be established, composed of not more than three representative from the LGUs and a representative each from other parties involved.
“The TWG (will) develop and finalize a work plan and monitor its implementation, and it shall periodically meet or as it may deem necessary in the place and on the date agreed upon by the parties,” it added.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz, who represented Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, acknowledged the presence of the attendees, commenting that it signifies their commitment towards an IR- free Negros.
“We also thank the different government agencies for their collaborative efforts in making the event possible,” Diaz added.
Labor agency representatives were represented by Director Francis de Guzman of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Connie Binarao of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Negros Occidental Field Office head Agnes Capigon of the Department of Labor and Employment and Director Gaspar Gayona of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority 6-Western Visayas.
Meanwhile, government labor agencies stated that they are partnering with the LGUs “in consideration of their respective mandates and in the spirit of cooperation to promote the rights and welfare of the public, migrant workers and their families.”
The said activity also added a seminar against illegal recruitment. (With a report from PNA/PN)
