BACOLOD City – In celebration of Migrant Workers’ Day, the provincial government of Negros Occidental reaffirmed its commitment to supporting and upholding the rights and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, who graced the celebration held on June 9 at SM City Bacolod, emphasized that the provincial government will continue to respond to the pressing needs of Negrense migrant workers — not in isolation, but in partnership with the community, the private sector, and most importantly, with OFWs and their families at the heart of every decision.
The event was spearheaded by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) – Regional Welfare Office VI and is observed annually every June to honor the invaluable contributions and sacrifices of OFWs worldwide.
The celebration brought together migrant workers and their families, OFW associations, and OWWA partner agencies, who were recognized for their support and contributions to the OFW community.
OWWA Region 6 officer-in-charge director James Mendiola reaffirmed OWWA’s unwavering dedication to championing the rights of migrant workers. He also emphasized the agency’s ongoing collaboration with both public and private sector partners to provide sustained assistance to OFWs and their families.
The activity highlighted the government’s responsibility to ensure the fair, safe, and dignified employment of Filipino workers abroad, while raising awareness of the challenges migrant workers continue to face.
Also present during the event were Department of Migrant Workers–Negros Island Region (NIR) director Glenda Aligonza, Rizza Joy Moldes of OWWA, and Salvacion Barrios, president of the OFW Negros Occidental Federation, Inc., among others.
As part of the program, OWWA turned over livelihood assistance to selected beneficiaries./PN
