Philippine Labor Attache Alejandro Padaen discusses the programs and services of POLO-Jeddah with the OFWs in one of the conference rooms of Dr. Erfan and Bagedo Hospital. — SG photo by Ronaldo Concha Ronaldo Z. Concha Saudi Gazette JEDDH – A group of Filipinos working in the medical field availed the Post Arrival Orientation Seminar (PAOS), conducted by officials from the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) last Thursday. The OFWs, mostly nurses, working in Dr. Erfan and Bagedo Hospital were briefed on the importance of the rules and regulation of the host country, importance of having a happy working environment and programs of OWWA, Pag-IBIG Fund and the Social Security System (SSS). Labor Attache Alejandro Padaen discussed the services of POLO-Jeddah and the effects of running away from the sponsor. The labor attaché encouraged the OFWs to be more productive in their work, avoid engaging in illegal activities, and always think of their loved ones, who are their inspiration. OWWA welfare officer Maria Victoria Demenggoy explained the programs and the services of OWWA to its members, such as social benefits, education and training, Workers Welfare Assistance Program, Repatriaition and the Reintegration Program. SSS representative in Jeddah John Sebaluca also discussed the program and its benefits with active members, encouraging the OFWs to continue their SSS contribution to avail all its benefits. Business opportunities were also discussed by Maryjane Sanchez for OFWs while they are in the Kingdom. Batanggas Organization's president and project director of Kaagapay ng Bawat OFW Advocacy Group Fortunato “Atoy” Esguerra, who organized the seminar, said the PAOS is very important for the Filipinos working abroad. He considered it as a continuing reminder to the OFWs who are always pre-occupied with their work. “The effort exerted here by the labor officials to our fellows through this seminar are very much appreciated” Esguerra said. He thanked the Philippine Consulate Consul General Uriel Norman Garibay for his support in this endeavor and announced that more on-the-site seminar for the OFWs will be conducted with the cooperation of KKaagapay Bawat OFW, the Philippine Consulate and its attached agencies. Esguerra also thanked Dr. Mohamed Erfan for allowing the Philippine Consulate and its Attahced Agencies to conduct the seminar for the OFWs.
