Sunday, October 12, 2008 Council to discuss return of OFWs
THE Davao City Council will convene early next week to discuss preparations and measures should Dabawenyo overseas contract workers return to the city due to the spreading economic crisis worldwide.
Small nations such as Iceland have already declared bankruptcy and even big ones in Europe already feel concern for their stability.
"Wala pa namo na-discuss sa Council the probability of massive repatriation. I will take it up with them next week," Davao City Vice Mayor Sara Z. Duterte said.
Vice Mayor Duterte, who is currently acting mayor as Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is on leave, said she already has initial plans to address the matter.
"Mag skills training sila, then livelihood projects. Also, we have a new funding from the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) for grow micro negosyo. I think the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (Owwa) also has funding for livelihood which we can tap," she added.
Duterte, however, said she does not think a large number will be coming home.
"Most likely they will accept lesser pay or find odd jobs abroad. They know samot man sila maglisud kung muuli sila. Grabe ang sitwasyon dire sa ato," Duterte said. (GLP)
