Limbo
THE new structure, according to documents, plans to combine under one roof the personal, community and economic reintegration programs handled separately before by four government agencies.
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), which charges each Filipino leaving for work abroad US$25, attempted the personal reintegration, according to Conferido.
Its parent agency, the Department of Labor and Employment, handled the economic reintegration by encouraging OFWs to borrow money during the 2004 presidential elections.
OWWAs sister agency Philippine Overseas Employment Administration which facilitates the outflow of workers is now included in the new program. Another agency, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, forms the fourth leg of this new attempt to attract Filipino workers to return to the Philippines.
These are Filipinos like Miguel Bolos who bought a spa using money he earned working in Saudi Arabia as an assistant comptroller for a quarter-century.
Bolos welcomed the construction of the center, saying its program is promising for returning overseas workers planning to venture into business.
For one, it could give returning overseas Filipinos some kind of an idea rather than starting from scratch on their own, Bolos said. It could save them time by coming here and right away, get some kind of an idea. It may not be a very firm idea, but [the Center could offer] something to start on.
Bolos invested in a spa, now employing three men and 18 women, without the formal assistance of the government agencies involved in the Center.
On the other hand, Perez, a garments-trader and present during the buildings formal opening, doesnt mind the Centers redeployment feature.
The 47-year-old businessman said hes willing to work overseas again, if a job opportunity comes his way.
According to the Centers promotional documents, Perez would be evaluated of his skills and matched with job orders from other countries.
Conferido said the decision to open this option is a sort of reality check for government: it cant stop Filipinos from leaving and it couldnt provide the high-paying jobs to stake their future in their homeland.
Pinoy Life Abroad
