Councilor Rachel Zozobrado on Wednesday called for stronger protection and support for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) as she commemorated National Migrant Workers’ Day, highlighting the sacrifices and challenges faced by Filipinos working abroad.
In a privilege speech, the chairperson of the Committee on Migrant Workers underscored that the annual observance should go beyond expressions of gratitude and instead focus on addressing the realities and challenges confronting migrant workers and their families.
“Every year, we celebrate this occasion by expressing gratitude to Overseas Filipino Workers. We acknowledge their sacrifices. We recognize their contributions to our economy. We call them heroes. Yet beyond the ceremonies and messages of appreciation lies a reality that deserves our honest attention,” Zozobrado said.
She noted that, for many Filipinos, seeking employment abroad is often driven by necessity rather than choice.
“For many Filipinos, working abroad is not primarily a dream. It is a difficult decision made in pursuit of opportunity, stability, and a better future for their families. Behind every remittance sent home is a parent who missed birthdays, graduations, and ordinary family dinners. Behind every successful OFW story is a period of uncertainty, adjustment, loneliness, and sacrifice that often remains unseen,” she said.
Zozobrado recognized the significant contributions of Filipino migrant workers worldwide but noted that many continue to face serious challenges despite their achievements.
“Cases of illegal recruitment remain a concern. Unscrupulous individuals continue to prey on the hopes of aspiring migrant workers by offering non-existent jobs, charging excessive fees, or promising opportunities that later turn out to be fraudulent,” she said.
She added that some OFWs continue to encounter contract substitution, delayed wages, poor working conditions, discrimination, abuse, and limited access to legal remedies in their host countries.
The councilor stressed that government efforts should focus on translating appreciation into concrete programs and policies.
“The challenge before us, therefore, is not merely to honor migrant workers with words. The challenge is to ensure that our policies, programs, and institutions genuinely respond to their needs,” she said.
Zozobrado said local governments play a vital role in migrant protection.
“In Davao City, we continue to strengthen our collaboration with the Department of Migrant Workers, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and our own OFW Families’ Welfare and Crisis Center under the City Social Welfare and Development Office. These partnerships aim to provide accessible services not only for OFWs but also for the families they leave behind,” she said.
She also highlighted ongoing efforts to conduct Pre-Employment Orientation Seminars in barangays to equip aspiring OFWs with accurate information before seeking overseas employment.
Additionally, Zozobrado said the committee is exploring legislative measures to curb illegal recruitment and strengthen local protection mechanisms for migrant workers.
“We are also studying initiatives that would bring OFW assistance closer to communities, including the establishment of OFW help desks at the barangay level. These initiatives may appear modest compared with the scale of migration, but meaningful protection often begins at the local level. It begins with informed communities, accessible services, and institutions that listen and respond,” she said.
Zozobrado urged the public to look beyond the economic contributions of OFWs and recognize their personal sacrifices.
“They are not merely workers abroad. They are mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters whose aspirations, struggles, and sacrifices deserve recognition and protection,” she said.
Addressing OFWs, particularly Dabawenyos working overseas, Zozobrado expressed appreciation for their contributions and resilience.
