Senate, House push for Department of Overseas Filipinos

National Task Force COVID-19 Chief Implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr. expressed support for the creation of a Department of Overseas Filipinos to consolidate and improve services for Filipinos abroad.

Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go highlighted that a dedicated department would better address the needs and welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), particularly during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Go explained that a single department would streamline coordination among agencies and provide a more focused approach to assisting OFWs who currently face burdens due to scattered services.

The proposed Department of Overseas Filipinos aims to solve issues such as inefficient coordination, lack of immediate legal assistance, and the absence of a comprehensive database for tracking and assisting distressed OFWs.

The House of Representatives has already passed its version of the bill, while the Senate's counterpart is still under committee review.

Senator Go emphasized that supporting this bill is crucial for the welfare of OFWs who are currently in difficult situations.

Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre Bello III reported that around 34,000 OFWs have been repatriated, with an additional 42,000 expected to return by June.

The creation of this department is a priority for Senator Go and is also part of the Duterte Administration's legislative agenda.

The proposed department would absorb the functions and responsibilities of several existing agencies, including the OWWA, POEA, and the Commission on Filipino Overseas, among others.

This initiative seeks to ensure that the approximately 10 million Filipinos living overseas receive fast, efficient, and reliable government services, especially in times of need.