Wednesday, February 15, 2006
It only takes a 'text' message to help an OFW: group
IN AN attempt to answer the needs of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), the Center for Migrant Workers Advocacy launched Tuesday the "SOS Short Messaging System (SMS) information system."
Davao City Councilor Peter Laviña, a partner of the Center for Migrant Workers Advocacy, said the information system is a 24/7 text-based mechanism to relay or report situation of distress OFWs in need of immediate relief, action, and intervention by the government and migrant non-government organizations (NGO).
Laviña said there are more or less eight million OFWs in the country and most are victims of abuses by their employers.
"Gani last year, there were 22,000 of OFW cases nga nagcomplain (who complained) and nangayo ug tabang (asked for help from) both sa government and NGO," Laviña said.
He said, "The SOS SMS gives government agencies and NGOs the opportunity to respond and/or intervene, in a timely, adequate and efficient manner, particularly where the OFWs life, safety or well being is in a critical consideration."
"SOS, means, kani adto Save Our Ship, now na-adopt na sa mga kahimtang na Save Our Soul, Save Our Skin and other SOSs na kahimtang wherein ang victim would like to send a help alert," said Laviña.
To get help through the SOS SMS system, simply text SOS (space) (sender's name and message) and send to +63 9209 OFW SOS (+63 9209-639767).
"Tingali, daghan pata ug mga lain pang mga kaigusuonan nga in distress, wala lang silay pamaagi how to send out there complains, kung unsa ilang tinuod nga kahimtang, so tungod sa kahibalo nato na grabe mugamit ug text ang mga Pinoy, mao ni na system gi-introduce karon, by this center," Laviña said.
Through SOS, Laviña added, an OFW could get help signals wherever he or she is abroad. (BRQ)
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (February 15, 2006 issue)
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