Mayor Khymer Olaso, Sunday, June 7, joins officials from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in launching the first-ever OFW Global Summit at the Quezon City MICE Center coinciding with the celebration of Migrant Workers’ Day.
A former OFW, Mayor Olaso was invited to give his message of support to the event, where he also shared his experience from being a seafarer to becoming an entrepreneur, and eventually a public servant – a story, which he said, “reflects the journey of countless Filipinos who dared to dream beyond their circumstances and worked tirelessly to build a better future for their families and communities.”
Olaso urged all OFWs and returning migrant workers present during the event, to never underestimate the value of overseas experience, stating that the sacrifices they make build skills, character and knowledge that can become the foundation for future success. “Whether you choose entrepreneurship, community leadership, public service or another path, your experiences matter.”
As mayor, Olaso reaffirmed his commitment to creating an environment where returning OFWs can thrive, as he vowed to continue supporting livelihood opportunities, entrepreneurship programs, skills development, and initiatives that empower families and communities.
He likewise mentioned about his proposed Employee Provident Fund (EPF) initiative – a bill he filed in Congress when he was the District 1 Representative, receiving loud applause from Summit participants. The EPF, he said, requires broader coordination with national agencies such as the Department of Labor and Employment, as he highlighted various provident fund systems in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore as examples that strengthen financial protection for private-sector workers.
The mayor wrapped up his speech with a captivating performance of Sampaguita’s “Nosi Balasi,” with audience participation.
The Summit, themed “Serbisyong Buo, Kalingang Totoo: Inclusive Empowerment of Global Filipinos for Resilience and Nation Building,” was spearheaded by DMW officials led by Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and was also graced by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, House Chair on Overseas Workers Affairs Cong. Bryan Revilla, and officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), International Organization for Migration (IOM), and Philippine National Railways (PNR), among others.
The event gathered over 1,400 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families to provide access to government services, employment opportunities, livelihood support, and legal assistance. Highlight of the Summit was the handover of sewing machines to 25 FILIPINAS beneficiaries and the grant of Enhanced Livelihood Program for OFW Reintegration (ELPOR) to 50 beneficiaries. (Sheila Covarrubias) (details and photos: Christine Chua)