08 September 2005—The Philippine Embassy in Brunei reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that several members of the Filipino community in Brunei and the officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy attended the opening session of the Basic Orientation Course for Overseas Filipino Workers held at the Philippine Embassy Chancery on 03 September 2005.

Scheduled to be held for six consecutive Sunday afternoons, the Basic Orientation Course aims to educate OFWs on Brunei's labor and immigration laws, address the medical and legal concerns of OFWs, and familiarize them with the Embassy's consular, labor, welfare, SSS and Pag-IBIG services. Throughout the Course, the OFWs would also have the opportunity to interact with the various concerned authorities and Embassy officials.

In her opening remarks, Philippine Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez said that the Embassy embarked on this project on account of the vital importance placed by the Philippine Government on the Overseas Filipino Workers and their welfare abroad. She pointed out that assistance to nationals is a key pillar of Philippine Foreign Policy. She also expressed her appreciation to those who took time out from their precious weekend rest to attend the Course and requested all OFWs in Brunei Darussalam to join for their benefit, added knowledge and useful information.

The first speakers were the Embassy's Labor Attaché Aida Estabillo and Welfare Officer Martvic Garcia-Demingoy, who spoke on the Welfare and Protection Services for OFWs and the OWWA Programs and Services, respectively. END