Marcos Urges DOLE to hire displaced but skilled OFWs

Senator Imee Marcos has called on the government to employ returned overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the administration’s economic recovery projects.

She urged the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to survey the skills of the returned OFWs.

"We help ourselves by helping our OFWs. They have value-added knowledge and skills plus a solid work ethic that can improve government efficiency and boost development in the countryside where many of them have returned," Marcos said.

"For decades, OFW remittances have sustained the Bangko Sentral's currency reserves during many economic crises. This is the best time for the government to prove to our OFWs that its gratitude is sincere," she added.

The senator also saw unemployment rising from the 17.7% rate recorded in April. She stressed that this can be countered with job creation so that income streams and consumer spending can continue to keep the economy running.

Marcos meanwhile filed the Trabaho Sa Oras ng Pandemya Act (TROPA) bill which consolidates the wage subsidy and cash-for-work programs of the Labor and Social Welfare departments.

The said department programs will first be combined into a P200 million peso fund to be managed by a council of government agency heads led by DOLE. Additional appropriations will be subject to approval by the Department of Budget and Management.