CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The provincial government, through the Pampanga Action Center for OFW Concerns (PACOC), and some business men from Malaysia pledged partnership for the protection of Filipino, particularly Kapampangan, migrant workers during the latter’s visit in the province last week.
The group led by K.Sudhagaran Stanley, Chairperson of the Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerants under the Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, aims to identify causes which motivates Filipino workers to seek employment opportunities abroad.
It was learned, Stanley and his associates intends to assess the Philippines especially Pampanga, for possible business ventures that would generate more jobs for Filipinos in hopes of addressing the looming problems of human trafficking and illegal recruitment in their country.
“We want to present Filipinos the opportunity to work and reside here in their home country and to be with their loved ones, instead of coming abroad to work,” Stanley said.
He also stressed, ensuring a good working environment for all migrants in Malaysia is just as important since they also recognize that some still prefer to work abroad despite of being away from their families.
Meanwhile, PACOC Chief Eliza Muñoz led a brief tour of the Haduan Aeta Community in Mabalacat City, wherein the Malaysian business men made a small donation for the area’s development along with the distribution of food packs provided by Governor Lilia G. Pineda, through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office.
“We always strive to improve the services we provide for the Kapampangan OFWs and their families that’s why we are so grateful for the concern shown by our Malaysian partners. Through this partnership we hope to finally eliminate cases of illegal recruitment and human trafficking in Malaysia and other countries,” Muñoz shared.
By Angelique DC. Tuazon
