Overseas Filipino Investors and Entrepreneurs Movement (OFIEM) conducted its first collaboration seminar with the Department of Migrant Workers-Qatar entitled "Benefits & Services of OWWA, SSS and PAG-IBIG for OFWs in Qatar”.
The seminar, which lasted for nearly four hours, was held in the Migrant Workers Office (MWO). It was open to all Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Qatar. Over 50 participants, who are both OFIEM members and non-members, took part in the event.
The conference highlighted the benefits and services offered by OWWA Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Philippine Social Security System (SSS), and Pag-IBIG Fund (HDMF). The speakers covered a wide range of topics, including health benefits, insurance, retirement as well as financial services that are available to OFWs.
Asst. Labor Attaché Atty. Don Albert Philippe Pangcog of MWO Qatar delivered his welcome remarks. It was followed by a short message from Welfare Officer Nestor Burayag from OWWA-Qatar.
Mr. Florencio Teves III, the Division Chief of Advocacy and Social Marketing Division of OWWA discussed the comprehensive list of programs and services available to all OFW members as well as their dependents. These benefits include social benefits, education scholarship and training, welfare programmes, reintegration programme, and repatriation assistance benefits.
Ms. Angelita Sanchez of Pag-IBIG Fund described the benefits of their programmes for OFW members such as savings with dividend earnings, short term cash loans, and affordable housing loans. She also explained how OFWs can save more through the Pag-IBIG MP2 Savings program.
On her part, Ms. Leslie De Leon of SSS, stressed the importance of maintaining updated contributions for OFW members. She also discussed the benefits that an OFW member and his/her dependents can avail, including but not limited to unemployment insurance, retirement, disability and sickness benefits.
Engr. Jess Gallo, the Asst. Secretary of OFIEM, shared his personal experience on how he was able to take advantage of Pag-IBIG loan and utilize its proceeds to purchase a rental property.
OFIE-M Qatar President Ms. Ferlita You Ng, in her closing remarks, expressed her profound appreciation to all the attendees and speakers of the event. She also thanked the Senior Labor and Employment Officers, Jerome Gacula and Ms. Emerita Germo for the support they extended to OFIEM. Before ending her closing remarks, she shared OFIEM’s vision and advocacy as an organisation with all the seminar attendees and invited them to become members of the organisation.
All OFWs in Qatar are encouraged to get in touch with the Philippine government agencies and visit their MWO office in Al Sadd to get a better understanding of their services and benefits for Filipinos.