TAGUIG City Rep. Lani Cayetano emphasized the importance of the creation of the Department of Overseas Filipino Workers and Foreign Employment (DOFW) during the launch of the vaccine rollout for Taguig-based OFWs Thursday evening at the BGC High Street Mega Vaccination Hub.

Speaking on behalf of Mayor Lino Cayetano in front of OFWs who are waiting to be vaccinated, the lady solon from the 2nd District of Taguig City said the bill, authored by former House Speaker Taguig City 1st District Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano, will serve as one-stop-shop for OFWs who are seeking necessary requirements to be able to work abroad.

“Personal na advocacy po namin ang bill na ito kung saan kasama ako sa paglikha dahil naniniwala kami na kapag nagkaroon ng isang dedicated department para sa mga OFWs ay mapapadali po ang pagtugon natin sa ating mga manggagawa overseas,” Cayetano said.

She added that Mayor Lino launched the vaccine rollout for OFWs in Taguig City because they are considered as modern-day heroes whose sacrifice of being away from their families, among other things, cannot be overemphasized, apart from their contribution to the country’s economy.

“It is only fitting then that our OFWs be among those prioritized in the country’s COVID-19 vaccination program.” Cayetano said.

Based on Inter-Agency Task Force Resolution 117, OFWs who are scheduled for deployment within the next four months from the intended date of vaccination fall under the A1 priority group. If their schedule for deployment is not within the timeframe given, they will still be inoculated under the A4 priority group.

The event highlighted the city’s efforts to vaccinate all outbound Taguig-based OFWs.

The City of Taguig demonstrated the ease with which OFWs can avail of free vaccination for their personal protection while continuing to labor for their families and in the process, play a critical role in the continued revival of the country’s economy.

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Edd Reyes