The Inter-Agency Committee on the Month of Overseas Filipinos (MOF) led by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) and Philippine Migrants Rights Watch (PMRW), successfully conducted a daylong Migrant Fair in Agusan del Norte on October 20, 2023. Mainly sponsored by the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)-CARAGA Region, the Fair held at Almond Inland Resort provided services to more than 400 migrant workers and their families, most of whom came from Agusan del Norte province and Butuan City. The pre-MOF activity, was a convergence activity of government, civil society and business, and in line with the “Bagong Pilipinas” program and brand of governance under the leadership of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.
The event was graced by Provincial Administrator Elizabeth Calo, who represented Governor Maria Angelica Rosedell M. Amante, Asec. Evangeline de Leon of Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Asst. Regional Director Raymond Fel Sajor of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Provincial Director Lorijane D. Sacote of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Dr. Airish Guia C. Magtibay of the Department of Health (DOH), Executive Director Bernadette Mendoza of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Mr. Rodel P. Deligero of OWWA, Provincial Director Carlito Quintano of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and PhilHealth Regional Vice President William O. Chavez.
Special video messages for the participants were given by CFO Secretary Romulo V. Arugay, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) OIC-Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, and PMRW Chair Carmelita Nuque who praised the sacrifices of our overseas Filipinos and their important contributions to national and local development.
Participating agencies from the government, civil society groups and international organizations which set-up booths include CFO, DFA, DOH, DOLE, DMW, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Tourism (DOT), DTI, International Organization for Migration (IOM), Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA), OWWA, Pag-IBIG Fund (Pag-IBIG), PhilHealth, Philippine Information Agency (PIA), PCO, Social Security System (SSS), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Unlad Kabayan.
These organizations provided an array of free services that include agency consultation, health and wellness services, basic medical check-up, flu and pneumonia vaccination, nutrition and family counseling, HIV testing and counseling, dental services, distribution of vitamins and medicines, legal consultation, haircut and massage, issuance of Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card, updating of government records, passport application, skills training, setting up of photo booth, provision of information materials, freebies and tokens. OWWA also awarded financial assistance for their beneficiaries under the Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay! Program.
A mini trade fair was mounted by DTI and showcased various food and other products owned mostly by OFW families from CARAGA Region. Businesses that participated include PHD Spicy Foods Corporation (PHD SFC), Nadeen’s Gown Gallery and Enterprises, Ambrosia’s Food Products, Lea’s Food Products, Jojajeb Food Products, 12.25 Coffee House, Succulent Enterprise, Butuanon Producers Association, Resee’s Food Products, Tonyts Food Products (TFP), and Aquarianne Food Products. To inspire the participants, successful entrepreneurs – Gay S. Pia of PHD SFC, Antonitte C. Canda of TFP, Roy Maceda who has water purifying station, Maybonn-set M. Martinez who has a sizzling food bar, and Cherrylyn B. Mahilom who has food cart business – also shared their success stories.
A job fair, organized by DOLE, provided local employment opportunities to participants – a good reintegration program for returning OFWs. Employers that participated include ARQ Builders, Equi-Parco Construction Company, Wing On, Wizard Manpower and Allied Services, SM City Butuan, Davao Manpower, Gaisano Mall, Happy Enterprises, Bachelor Express, JMNC Technological Training Center, and D’Best Value Products Distribution. More than 20 job applicants were hired on the spot, and about a hundred qualified during job interview by respective employers.
Participants, who were treated to dance and song numbers, trivia games with prizes, and raffle items of various home appliances and gadgets, sacks of rice, grocery items, and local trip to Enchanted River in Hinatuan, expressed appreciation for a fun-filled day of celebration.
The program was hosted by Ms. Jenny Lascoña of OWWA, Mr. Jun Jumonong and Ms. Johanna Quiñones of DOH.
—–
The Migrant Fair is an annual activity organized and conducted by the Inter-agency Committee on the Celebration of the Month of Overseas Filipinos (MOF), in partnership with LGUs. The month of December is known as the “MONTH OF OVERSEAS FILIPINOS.” The celebration of the MOF in the Philippines started in 1988 when then President Corazon Aquino issued Proclamation No. 276, which institutionalized the month-long celebration every December. This is in recognition of the significant contributions of overseas Filipinos to Philippine development and the restoration of Philippine democracy. On the global scene, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed December 18 each year as International Migrants Day in 2000. On this important date, all member-states, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, will commence the occasion and disseminate information regarding the fundamental rights and freedom of migrants.
In 2007, an Inter-Agency Committee for the Celebration of the Month of Overseas Filipinos and International Migrants Day was created through Administrative Order No. 202 issued by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The IAC, which is a migrant civil society and government partnership, is tasked to come up with and organize activities for the MOF celebration. At present, it is now composed of the following members: Philippine Migrants Rights Watch (Chair), Commission on Filipinos Overseas (Co-Chair), Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Migrant Workers, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Health, Department of Tourism, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Presidential Communications Office, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Film Development Council of the Philippines, Bureau of Immigration, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Pag-IBIG Home Development Mutual Fund, Social Security System, Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking – Department of Justice, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, League of Provinces of the Philippines, League of Cities of the Philippines, League of Municipalities of the Philippines, Philippine Migration Research Network, and Migrant Forum in Asia.