Several government, NGOs and private institutions in Davao Region convened Thursday to address the reintegration challenges in developing effective and responsive programs and services which cater to the needs of returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

The Department of Labor and Employment Davao Region (DOLE XI) through the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) initiated the establishment of the Regional Reintegration Network last October 8, 2015 at SMX Convention Center, Lanang, Davao City.

The network is composed of government, NGOs and private agencies whose aim is to enhance the coordination and delivery of reintegration services for Filipino migrants while at the same time gain support and cooperation in the implementation of the National Reintegration Programs.

NRCO Reintegration Officer Rea B. Sa-an said the department have seen the need to tie up with other private and public partners in order to streamline the delivery of optimum and holistic service to its target beneficiaries.

“We need to connect government and private stakeholders to strengthen our reintegration programs by promoting and facilitating equitable access to reintegration services and by utilizing the returning migrants’ capacities and resources such as their financial, human and social capitals to improve their families’ well-being and as well as that of their communities and of the country as a whole,” she said.

Among the government and private agencies that initially joined the network were the regional offices of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Mindanao Migrants Center for Empowering Actions, Inc. (MMCEAI), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC),  PhilHealth, PhilAm Life, Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Inc., (DCCCII), Philippine Franchising Association (PFA), Public Employment Service Offices of Davao Oriental and Davao del Norte,

OFW Watch, Unlad Kabayan, and Panabo Multi-Purpose Cooperative (PMPC).

DOLE Davao Region Regional Director Joffrey M. Suyao appreciated the response of the agencies and urged them to invite other agencies who could be of help to the network.

“I hope that you would also encourage other agencies to join the network for us to expand and have limitless reach to OFWs who badly needs our help,” he said. (DOLE XI – NRCO)