TESDA, DOLE Agencies and LGU Manila partners against illegal recruitment

            The convergence on the programs and services for OFWs of the DOLE with the local government units (LGUs) was made in pursuant to Republic Act No. 8042, as amended by R.A. No. 10022 and Administrative Order 157, series of 2013.

            The partnership aims to intensify the government’s campaign against illegal recruitment and human trafficking in the country with the end goal of protecting and safeguarding the welfare of the overseas Filipino workers who are vulnerable and mostly exploited by these illegal activities.

            The TESDA as the skills training arm of the government, shall continuously provide free skills training to produce globally competitive Filipino skilled workers through its various scholarship programs. This is in accordance to Section 1, paragraph (g) of R.A. No. 10022, which states that, “the State recognizes that the most effective tool for empowerment is the possession of skills by migrant workers. The government shall provide them free and accessible skills development and enhancement programs. Pursuant to this and as soon as practicable, the government shall deploy and/or allow the deployment only of skilled Filipino workers.”

            Present during the MOA signing are DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III, OWWA Administrator Bernard P. Olalia, OWWA Administrator Hans Leo J. Cacdac, DOLE-NCR Regional Director Sarah Buena S. Mirasol, TESDA Manila District Director Archie A. Grande and Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno.

            Coincide with the event is the MOA signing of OWWA and LGU Manila in the establishment of OFW Helpdesk in the City Government of Manila.