MANILA, 9 December 2002 — It started late this year, but the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is beginning next week its annual programs designed to make returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) feel really appreciated by the Philippine government.
The programs, all lumped into the Pamaskong Handog sa OFWs, includes the Pamaskong Salubong, the Pamaskong Palaro, the OFW Family Day, and the OFW e-card issuance.
Labor Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas said these programs were joined together to translate their gratitude to a warm welcome and a meaningful Christmas for the OFWs whose valuable contributions to nation-building have been acclaimed by the nation for almost three decades now.
Pamaskong Handog, Sto. Tomas said, “is a yearly celebration for OFW families and eases the process of the OFWs coming home and their return to their work sites abroad.”
She added that it is only fitting for the government to offer anew “Pamaskong Handog sa OFWs 2002” to tell the vacationing workers that “things have changed, that they are important and that government does care.”
The airport is the first step in the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) planned welcome. Through OWWA, its attached agency, OFWs are ensured a hassle-free arrival and joyous welcome at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
Also at airport, express lanes exclusively for OFWs have been set up for a smooth arrival and family service booths have been set up at the NAIA parking area where OWWA personnel will provide flight details to welcoming families of OFWs.
OWWA Administrator Virgilio Angelo said assistance officers will be on hand to provide flight information and ensure that arriving OFWs are able to link up with their families immediately.
Angelo assured OFWs that they will be able to clear the immigration and customs areas of the NAIA in 25 minutes due to airport courtesies, particularly because of the presence of OWWA personnel there ensuring the smooth flow of people and baggage.
These courtesies are being provided in coordination with the Immigration and Customs bureaus and the airport authority. The same courtesies will be available for departing OFWs.
Angelo also said that as part of the Pamaskong Handog, OWWA is celebrating the OFW Family Day whereby the labor agency has lined up various activities which include the Pamaskong Palaro.
This is a first time event to be held on Dec. 16 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium where OFWs and their families can compete with each other in bowling, chess, darts, lawn and table tennis. Angelo said this event will be held in coordination with the Philippine Sports Commission.
