“Once an OFW, always an OFW” That’s what Sec. Sylvetre Bello III told anchors Hannah Señeres and Gemma Gumamela in their daily radioshow Radyo OFW broadcasted live on Facebook.
Sec. Bello mentioned that the concept of the iDOLE, the proposed name for the OFW ID, is to abolish the OEC and replace it with a more convenient ID card. This will essentially end the collection of OEC fees which OFWs have to pay each time they go out of the country.
The iDOLE could also integrate SSS, Pag-Ibig and Philhealth information. More importantly, the ID card could also serve as the OFWs passport in the future.
According to Sec. Bello, President Duterte has always showed his concern for the OFW sector, that was why the OEC was abolished in the first place. He would always ask Sec. Bello "How are the OFWs?" Aside from the OFW ID, OFWs have the OFW Hospital to look forward too.
The iDOLE could also integrate SSS, Pag-Ibig and Philhealth information. More importantly, the ID card could also serve as the OFWs passport in the future.
According to Sec. Bello, President Duterte has always showed his concern for the OFW sector, that was why the OEC was abolished in the first place. He would always ask Sec. Bello "How are the OFWs?" Aside from the OFW ID, OFWs have the OFW Hospital to look forward too.
Via the Radyo OFW program, OFWs were able to ask questions to Sec. Bello about the OFW ID or IDOLE and other relevant issues affecting OFWs. Here are some of the highlights:
Q: When will the OFW ID be launched?
Sec. Bello: it will be presented to President Duterte on July 12, 2017. By the end of July, we will start printing the IDs. OFWs may also go personally to OWWA or POEA to facilitate the printing of their IDs.
Q. How it will be received by the OFWs around the world?
Sec. Bello: the OFW IDs will be delivered to the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) of the host countries.
Q. What if the OFW does not reside or stay in their registered address as per POEA records, can they personally visit the POLO office to get their OFW ID?
Sec. Bello: Yes, they can personally acquire the OFW ID thru the nearest POLO office of their host country.
Q: If the OFW IDs will be sent abroad, how about the OFWs who transferred to another employer and has not updated their information with the POEA?
Sec. Bello: We will publish the list of OFWs abroad, with their registered address as well as which POLO office to go for claiming their OFW ID. They can check their information and update it if necessary. They must coordinate with POEA or POLO for any changes.
Q: Does the OFW ID have an expiration?
Q: Can a former OFW be a recipient of OFW ID?
Sec. Bello: "Once an OFW, always an OFW". Yes they can avail the OFW ID as well, along with its benefits.
Q: Do OFWs who are direct hired can avail the OFW ID?
Sec. Bello: Yes, direct-hired are included.
Watch the full interview of Sec. Bello with Radyo OFW, CLICK HERE
Q: When will the OFW ID be launched?
Sec. Bello: it will be presented to President Duterte on July 12, 2017. By the end of July, we will start printing the IDs. OFWs may also go personally to OWWA or POEA to facilitate the printing of their IDs.
Q. How it will be received by the OFWs around the world?
Sec. Bello: the OFW IDs will be delivered to the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) of the host countries.
Q. What if the OFW does not reside or stay in their registered address as per POEA records, can they personally visit the POLO office to get their OFW ID?
Sec. Bello: Yes, they can personally acquire the OFW ID thru the nearest POLO office of their host country.
Q: If the OFW IDs will be sent abroad, how about the OFWs who transferred to another employer and has not updated their information with the POEA?
Sec. Bello: We will publish the list of OFWs abroad, with their registered address as well as which POLO office to go for claiming their OFW ID. They can check their information and update it if necessary. They must coordinate with POEA or POLO for any changes.
Q: Does the OFW ID have an expiration?
Sec. Bello: None, the ID is continuous, it has no expiration. That is because all OFWs have contributions to OWWA. Later, the OFW ID will be useful to current and former OFWs, when the OFW Bank begins.
Sec. Bello: "Once an OFW, always an OFW". Yes they can avail the OFW ID as well, along with its benefits.
Q: Do OFWs who are direct hired can avail the OFW ID?
Sec. Bello: Yes, direct-hired are included.
Watch the full interview of Sec. Bello with Radyo OFW, CLICK HERE
Related Links
http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/07/10-things-to-know-about-ofw-id-idole.html
http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/07/soon-to-open-ofw-hospital-and-ofw-hotel.html
http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/07/10-things-to-know-about-ofw-id-idole.html
http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/07/soon-to-open-ofw-hospital-and-ofw-hotel.html
http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/07/dfa-to-actively-revive-mobile-passport-program-very-soon.html
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