Monday, April 17, 2006
More OFWs left, records show
By Charmaine Y. Rodriguez
CEBU CITY -- More overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) left for work abroad during the first quarter of this year compared to last year, according to a report from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) 7.
From January to March, a total of 6,285 workers already left the country through the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.
The figures increased by 1,399 compared to the 4,886 deployed during the same period in 2005.
Most of the workers still left for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong.
Majority of them are females, at 3,375.
The highest monthly deployment figure is 410, composed of newly hired females headed for work as domestic helpers in Kuwait.
For the past two years, majority of the women left for Hong Kong.
Welfare Officer Rey Jacalan said Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (Owwa) 7 said majority of the OFWs leaving the country are women.
He noted that in countries, like Kuwait, their exposure to difficult working conditions and the need to adjust to a new culture drive them back home.
"Labi na mga first-timer, dili ka-agwanta (First timers, especially, can't stand it)," he said.
In a study published last year, the International Labor Organization (ILO) said the government's ability to prevent and protect overseas domestic helpers from abuse and exploitation should be improved by strengthening the pre-departure orientation process.
ILO also suggested training for labor attaches and other government officials on the risks faced by migrant workers.
Meanwhile, Jacalan said Owwa 7 has not yet received any update on the death of domestic helper Lolita Querubin-Bacalla, 41, who was found dead last month on the ground floor of the 14-story building where her employer lives in Taipei, Taiwan.
While police reported that the worker committed suicide, a brother of Bacalla, a Cebu City resident, believes she was pushed off the building.
According to POEA 7 records, 68 workers left for Taiwan during the first quarter this year. Forty-eight of them are women.
However, the highest deployment is 903 workers, who were bound for UAE.
Earlier, POEA 7 Director Evelia Durato said the Middle Eastern country is luring Filipino professionals to work in hotels and other establishments, especially in Dubai, which is an open city. (Sun.Star Cebu)
(April 17, 2006 issue)
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