Ilocos Norte Governor Imee R. Marcos in a visit at Saudi Arabia as part of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s delegation, extended help and assistance to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the Middle East.
61 % of families in Ilocos Norte are being supported by OFWs, making the province one of the highest dollar remittance recipients in the country; however, cases regarding employer abuse and illegal recruitment have not been uncommon.
“Maraming kuwento ng pangaabuso, kahirapan ng trabaho, di kaya ay niloko ng recruiter at hirap na dinadanas ang ating mga kababayan dito,” Governor Marcos shared, hence coordinating financial and legal assistance with the Saudi Minister of Labor, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III, and Congressman Aniceto “John” Bertiz.
In line with this, Governor Marcos paid a visit to the Philippine Embassy in the Middle East, addressing the concerns of Ilocanos applying for amnesty.
She also urged the authorities to expedite the processes regarding the case of Ilocano OFW Mr. Mario Oriol of Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, who has not received his salary for 11 months.
“…Tayo po ay nakikipagugnayan na sa mga kinauukulan at kasangga natin si Pangulong Duterte,” the governor said.
Governor Marcos supports President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s commitment in intensifying OFW assistance through creating a national agency addressing OFW cases and concerns. Ma. Christian A. Ramos, PGIN – CMO
