OFW
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte does his signature pose with the partners of the
Anti-Trafficking OFW Movement (ATOM) during the 7th anniversary of the public
service show, ‘Buhay OFW’, at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Pasay City on October
18, 2017. (RICHARD MADELO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO)
President Duterte
commits to improve
PH for OFWs
by Philip Ortaleza & Nil Garces Belar
P
resident Rodrigo Roa Duterte reiterated his
pledge to improve the Philippine economy
in a bid to help Filipinos working abroad and
their families. He graced the 7th anniversary
of the Buhay OFW at Sofitel Philippine Plaza
Manila, where he recognized the sacrifice of
overseas Filipino workers.
In addition to his tribute to our hardworking OFWs, this
event also served as the launch of Buhay OFW TV's Anti-
Trafficking OFW Movement (ATOM), which seeks to create
awareness and to prevent Filipinos from falling prey to
human trafficking.
“The only way, the most direct way of helping you is to
improve the Philippines,” the President said in his speech,
stressing that “you are out of the country because you
34
want a more gainful employment. Not an excessive one
but mas mataas, a higher rate and perhaps, the quality of
service.”
He also advised the need for OFWs to help improve
the economy, as this does justice to the sweat of people
outside, rich or poor, that their families here are protected.
“Wala naman silang ibang hinihingi. They are not
asking for anything else from the government. As a
matter of fact, they are the ones remitting money to the
government,” he pointed out.
The President also discussed the problem of illegal
recruitment and described such practices as ‘pure
oppression’ in addition to his war against both illegal
recruiters and drugs. "Human trafficking is a serious
problem that transcends borders. Therefore we all have
a responsibility in making sure that this battle is won,” he
added.
Not to be outdone, he also emphasized the polices
implemented by his administration aimed at easing the