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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATI
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRES!

First Regular Session
aang

House Bill No.

Introduced by HON. ROZZANO RUFINO B. BIAZON

EXPLANATORY NOTE

his bill seeks to establish an Overseas Fi
Philippines.

ipino Workers Office in every province of the

According to the 2015 Survey on Overseas Filipinos, there are around 2.4 Million
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) all over the world. These modern day heroes remitted an
estimated P180.3 Billion to the country. Among the regions, CALABARZON had the most
OFWs estimated at around 170,000 workers followed by Central Luzon and the National Capital
Region with around 150,000 and 10,000 workers respectively. It would be safe to assume that
almost all, if not all cities and municipalities in the country, have at least one (1) OFW. Even
assuming that not all cities and municipalities do not have at least a single OFW, this does not
mean that not anyone among its labor force wants to be employed abroad.

While the country tries to find solutions to address the dearth of jobs that pay decent
wages in the country, efforts must also be exerted to protect and promote the welfare and
interests of OFWs or those planning to be OFWs. There is no better place to start than at the
provinces. After all, aside from the families of OFWs who benefit from their remittances, these
provinces also benefit as most of these remittances are either spent or invested where these
OFWs and their families reside.

It is therefore but fitting that every provincial government should establish an OF W
Office where all the concerns of OF Ws or those planning to be OF Ws, may be addressed.

In view of the foregoing, early passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

(O RUFINO B. a. | N

Representative
istrict, Muntinlupa City

RO:

Lone

YF REPRESENTATIVES


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

aao
House Bill No. 2902

Introduced by HON. ROZZANO RUFINO B. BIAZON

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING AN OVERSEAS IPINO WORK!

PROVINCE IN THE PHILIPPINES

'S OFFICE IN EVERY

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. ~ This Act shall be known as the “Provincial Overseas Filipino
Workers Office Act

See. 2. Declaration of Policy. ~ It is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote
the welfare of all Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families. Towards this end, the
state shall come up with programs and mechanisms that shall promote and protect the interests of
OFWs and their families.

Sec. 3. Creation of OFW Office in All Provinces. ~ There is hereby established an OF W
Office in all provinces in the country. It shall serve as a one-stop-shop to address concerns or
problems of Overseas Filipino Workers and their families who are residing within their
respective territorial jurisdictions.

All provincial governments, through these OFW Offices, in partnership with the
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA),
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and other relevant government agencies
advocating the rights and welfare of OF Ws, shall take a proactive stance in the dissemination of
information to their constituents on all aspects of overseas employment. Such OFW Offices
herein established shall be linked to the database of all relevant government agencies particularly
the POEA and the OWWA for its updated list of overseas job orders and licensed recruitment
agencies in good standing.



Sec. 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The Secretary of the Department of
Interior and Local Government in consultation with the local government units, the DEA, POEA
the OWWA and all other relevant government agencies, shall, within sixty (60) days upon the
effectivity of this Act, formulate the necessary implementing rules and regulations for its
effective implementation.

Sec. 5. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, issuances, rules and
regulations which may be inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed
repealed or amended accordingly.

See. 6. Separability Clause. ~ If any section or provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions not affected thereby shall remain in
full force and effect.

Sec. 7. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in the
Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation,

Approved,