DAVAO City Councilor Rachel Zozobrado has proposed the creation of a one-stop help center for foreign Immigrants, aimed at supporting the city’s growing population of foreign nationals.
In her privileged speech on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, Zozobrado said the center would serve as a centralized hub where immigrants can access information, assistance, and essential services—from immigration support to healthcare and legal aid.
“With this growth comes a responsibility," Zozobradi said. We must ensure that foreign immigrants living in our city are not left to navigate bureaucracy, legal processes, and public services alone, especially with language barriers, cultural differences, and limited knowledge of our systems.
The proposed center would offer multilingual assistance and guidance on a wide range of needs, including visa requirements, business permits, education, housing, and healthcare. It would also coordinate referrals to national agencies such as the Bureau of Immigration, Department of Health (DOH), Commission on Higher Education (Ched), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Additional services would include basic legal orientation, support for those facing residency or human rights issues, and coordination with embassies, consulates, schools, and universities. Zozobrado said the center would also promote inclusivity and respect for all residents, regardless of background.
She described Davao City as a “magnet for diversity,” known for its openness and hospitality to people from all over the country and the world. Whether foreign nationals come as students, investors, professionals, missionaries, retirees, or as spouses of Filipinos, she said, many have chosen to call Davao their second home.
Zozobrado also highlighted key challenges foreign immigrants face, such as a lack of access to updated immigration information, difficulty navigating visa renewals or securing business permits, and trouble connecting with local offices due to language and cultural barriers. Others, she warned, may fall victim to misinformation or exploitation due to the absence of centralized, accessible support.
“Without coordinated and friendly service points, many foreign immigrants experience confusion, and some face hardship,” she said.
The proposed One-Stop Help Center would operate under the City Mayor’s Office through the Davao City Investment and Promotions Center.
Zozobrado said the initiative would be a testament to the city’s commitment to providing a welcoming environment for all who seek a life of peace and dignity in Davao.
Her proposal was referred to the City Council’s Committee on International Relations for first reading and further study. RGP