THE Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has directed all Philippine recruitment agencies (PRAs) to notify in advance the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) of all their labor market missions in other countries.

Based on Advisory No. 17-2019, the POEA said it is now mandatory for all PRAs to involve the DFA in their labor market missions and other related activities.

"All PRAs are hereby advised to first course through the DFA as a prior notification of engagement, all requests for meetings with foreign government officials, agencies, and institutions, relative to the PRA's conduct of labor market missions," said the POEA.

According to POEA Administrator Bernard Olalia, the directive is being issued in accordance with an earlier communication of the DFA with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

He noted how the DFA issued such a request in order to ensure consistency in the observance of the One Country Team Approach (OCTA) policy.

"The procedure will allow the DFA and the Philippine Embassies to monitor the employment opportunities for overseas Filipino workers, to ensure that the best terms and conditions of overseas employment are met," said Olalia.

The new procedure is a departure from the previous practice of PRAs during their labor market missions.

Previously, PRAs simply coordinate with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) or the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) whenever they conduct labor market missions in other countries. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)