DSWD Undersecretary Parisya H. Taradji (4th from right), representing Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman, signs the Joint Manual of Operations in Providing Assistance to Migrant Workers and Other Filipinos during the ceremony on Tuesday at the Labor Governance Learning Center, Department of Labor and Employment Executive Building, Intramuros, Manila.

Shown in photo are (from right) Congresswoman Leah S. Paquiz, Congressman Scott Davis S. Lanete, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Head  Rebecca J. Calzado, Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario, Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda D. Baldoz, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration Chief Leo J. Cacdac, Director Maylene Beltran of the Department of Health, and Congressman Nicanor M. Briones.

The Manual outlines the roles and responsibilities of the concerned respective agencies and overseas offices to effect a cohesive, seamless, efficient, and effective delivery of government services to overseas Filipinos, particularly to those who are in distress.

DSWD for its part is concerned with providing psycho social services, assistance to individuals in crisis situations, alternative parental care services, and social protection services.

“We are glad that we are part of this initiative showcasing convergence of government services and resources for the protection of migrant workers and other Filipinos overseas. Ensuring the psycho-social well-being of our countrymen abroad is vital to ensure that they are capable of meeting the challenges of working or living in a foreign land,” DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said.

The Joint Manual responds to the different situations of overseas Filipinos, such as those needing repatriation, and victims of illegal trafficking, illegal recruitment, and those whose contracts were violated. ###