ILOILO City – Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in this city — not just seafarers — are set to benefit from expanded employment, welfare, and livelihood assistance after the Iloilo City Government forged a partnership with Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Inc. (PTC) to deliver comprehensive support services for migrant workers and their families.
The collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) establishing the PTC OFW Program, which will provide career placement, job matching, welfare assistance, skills enhancement, career counseling, and capacity-building initiatives for both aspiring and returning OFWs.
Mayor Raisa Treñas said the initiative is designed to make essential services more accessible to overseas workers, stressing that the program is open to all OFWs in Iloilo City and is not limited to PTC-employed seafarers.
“Iloilo is one of the country’s leading sources of seafarers and overseas workers, so it is only fitting that we continue to strengthen the support systems available to them and their families. Through this partnership, we are bringing more opportunities and services closer to our people,” Treñas said.
The mayor thanked PTC for selecting Iloilo City as one of its local government partners, describing the collaboration as a vote of confidence in the city’s workforce and its commitment to protecting the welfare of migrant workers.
“This is more than an employment program. It is about ensuring that our OFWs have access to career guidance, welfare services, and skills development before they leave, while also providing support to the families they leave behind. We want them to know that the Iloilo City Government is with them every step of the way,” she added.
Under the agreement, PTC and the Iloilo City Public Employment Service Office (PESO) will jointly deliver localized welfare services, career counseling, job matching, and skills enhancement programs for prospective OFWs.
The program also includes livelihood opportunities and financial capability training for families of migrant workers to help them establish sustainable sources of income and improve financial management while their loved ones are working abroad.
Treñas said the partnership demonstrates how collaboration between the government and private sector can better respond to the evolving needs of overseas workers by bringing vital services closer to local communities.
“Our goal is to ensure that every Ilonggo who dreams of working abroad is equipped with the right knowledge, skills, and support, while their families remain empowered and resilient here at home. This partnership is another investment in the people who continue to contribute so much to our local economy and to the country,” the mayor said./PN
