The province of Negros Occidental is the first province in the Philippines to partner with the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the Center for Migrant Advocacy for a 22-month project entitled, “Establishing and Institutionalizing a Gender-Responsive Migrant Resource Center Help Desks and Services for Women Migrant Workers in the Province of Negros Occidental.”

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson highlighted this achievement at the celebration of OFW Family Day 2022 with the theme, “Bagonhon OFW Rising Above the Challenges,” spearheaded by the Bago City Federation of OFW on Monday morning.

The said project, which was implemented in coordination with OFW Negros Occidental Federation and the Center for Migrant Advocacy, is part of the Spotlight Initiative of UN Women and the European Union, and the Safe and Fair Programme of the International Labor Organization in the ASEAN Region.

Lacson said that the day’s celebration acknowledges not just the contribution of migrant workers to the country’s economy but also honors their sacrifices.

Held at Barangay Tabunan Covered Court, the event was graced by Bago City Mayor Nicholas Yulo and OWWA Regional Director Amy Crisostomo, among others.

Lacson also reported some of the efforts done by the provincial government to mitigate the impact of the manifold challenges confronted by the OFWs.

He said that for the years 2020-2021, the province distributed financial assistance to distressed OFWs and to the families of OFWs who died abroad due to COVID-19.

“Cash for Work” was also provided for more than 900 OFWs, and there were psychological counseling workshops for distressed OFWs and OFW/Family Circles and leaders of LGU federations, and college scholarships for children of non-returning OFWs./WDJ