AS the country commemorates the National Day of Migrant Workers every 7th day of June, Senator Christopher “Bong’ Go honored overseas Filipino workers for their continuing sacrifices in order to provide better lives for their families. He also pledged his full commitment in pushing for the passage of his bill creating the Department of Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos.

In a message, Go acknowledged the OFWs’ great sacrifices working abroad to provide a comfortable life for their family.

“It is not easy to be alone in a foreign land and to be away from your family for a very long time. It is a showcase of unconditional love.Yet, I am sure those sacrifices will not be in vain as you will see the fruits of your labor through the smiles and warmth of your loved ones from here to wherever you are in the world,” added Go.

Citing the OFWs’ love for their families as an inspiration, Go vowed to push for the passage of his bill creating the DMWOF.

“Ang inyong pagmamahal sa pamilya ay isa sa aking mga inspirasyon kung bakit patuloy kong isinusulong ang pagtatayo ng Department of Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos. Ipinaglalaban ko po ito dahil para sa akin matagal na po itong overdue para po sa ating mga kababayan na nasa ibang bansa na nagsasakripisyo po,” he added.

The senator said that overseas Filipinos need to have a department of their own that would cater to their needs and concerns and unburden them of the challenges caused by various global crises. At the same time, this is in recognition of their sacrifices for their families and contributions to the economy as modern day heroes.

“Kayo po ang mga modern-day heroes, kaya po dapat mayroon pong isang departamentong nakatutok po para sa inyong lahat. Naniniwala ako na kung pag-iisahin na lang ang mga serbisyo ng gobyerno at ibibigay ang tungkulin sa iisang departamento, mas matutukan natin at mabibigyang pansin ang mga solusyon at iba’t ibang pamamaraan para sa proteksyon ng mga Pilipino saan man kayo naroroon sa mundo,” he added.

If passed, Senate Bill 2234 will establish the DMWOF. Authored and co-sponsored by Go, the bill is a consolidated version of his earlier proposed measure that aims to create the Department of Overseas Filipinos.

The proposed department will be primarily mandated to formulate, recommend and implement national policies, plans, programs and guidelines that protect overseas Filipinos, including OFWs, as well as promote their interests and resolve issues concerning them in a timely and effective manner.

The DMWOF will be responsible for providing all relevant social and welfare services, including insurance, social work assistance and legal assistance, as well as administer reintegration and social service programs to overseas Filipinos.

It shall also provide Assistance to Nationals services, especially during times of emergencies, such as pandemic or war.

To end, Go said he will use his role as a senator to provide more efficient and more responsive government services for the OFWs amid challenging times.

“Asahan ninyo na gagamitin ko ang pagkakataon bilang mambabatas para mabigyan kayo ng nararapat, mabilis at epektibong serbisyo para hindi na madagdagan pa ang paghihirap at sakripisyo ninyo sa ibang bansa,” assured Go.

“Kami po ni Pangulong Duterte ay handang magserbisyo po sa inyo sa abot ng aming makakaya. Maraming salamat. Again, Happy Migrant Workers’ Day to all. Mag-ingat po tayong lahat,” he concluded.

Earlier, Go successfully appealed to the national government to provide the OFWs scheduled to go back abroad the necessary brand of vaccines considered acceptable in their respective countries of destination and ports of call.