New POLO office
THE establishment of a Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Thailand is a welcome development in government efforts to ensure the welfare of overseas Filiino workers (OFWs).
Despite the paralyzing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the dollar-oriented manpower export industry remains a major pillar of the struggling domestic economy.
Of course, no less than President Marcos welcomed the “good news,” which was announced by Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
She made the announcement during Marcos’ meeting with leaders of the Filipino community in Bangkok, where he attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit.
Official records show that Thailand is home to more than 35,000 OFWs. Like Thailand, the Philippines is a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Our migrant workers there include English teachers. Other OFWs work in hotels, restaurants and touAll Postsrism-related firms, said Philippine Ambassador to Thailand Millicent Cruz-Paredes.
Now under the newly-etablished DMW, POLO offices serve as overseas operating arms in the implementation of labor policies and programs for the protection of our migrant workers.
At the same time, President Marcos paid a glowing tribute to Ms. Ople, a daughter of the late Senate President and Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople of Hagonoy, Bulacan.
“Talagang maaasahan natin itong si Secretary Toots (Ople) dahil matagal na niyang adbokasya ‘yan, matagal na niyang trabaho ‘yan, yung tumutulong sa atin,” according to Marcos.
Thus, President Marcos and Secretary Ople deserve the support of the Filipino people as they work hard to provide our OFWs with full protection and assistance.
