News Release No. 053-03
12 February 2003

DFA, DOLE SIGN MOU ON INCREASED COOPERATION FOR OFW ASSISTANCE

Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople and Labor Secretary Patricia A. Sto. Tomas concluded yesterday a Memorandum of Agreement strengthening and improving the working relations between their two Departments in addressing the needs and concerns of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW’s).

The two secretaries signed the Memorandum in simple ceremonies at the DFA premises.  Witnessing the event were DFA Undersecretaries Franklin M. Ebdalin (Administration),  Arturo D. Brion (Special Projects), and Jose S. Brilliantes (Migrant Workers’ Affairs), as well as Assistant Secretary (for Consular Affairs) Estrella A.Berenguel.

Some of the relevant provisions of the memorandum include: 1) Priority given to efficient and prompt service to OFW’s; 2) Full promotion of the Country-Team approach in handling OFW cases; and 3) Increased vigilance and concerted action against human trafficking and illegal recruitment of Filipinos.

“I look forward to our working closely with Labor Secretary Sto. Tomas and the Department of Labor and Employment in providing world-class services to our kababayans abroad,” Secretary Ople said. “This is consistent with our vision of a World-Class Foreign Service that is responsive to the needs of its citizens overseas.” – END