The Philippine Embassy in Brunei through the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) recently conducted outreach program for Filipino members of "Liwanag ni Kristo" (LNK) Brunei Group at Church of Our Lady of Assumption (COLA) at Bandar Seri Begawan on 13 July 2011.

The purpose of the briefing was to provide OFWs with basic knowledge/updates on Philippine Embassy programs and services, particularly on labour and welfare services and OWWA/SSS/Pag-ibig membership coverage.

The said activity was part of the Embassy's continuing effort to reach out to overseas Filipino workers, and in the process, promote better understanding and cooperation between and among the Philippine Embassy and OFWs in Brunei.

LNK Brunei Group Leader Wilfredo Saludo together with Mr. Neil Rutor welcomed the Philippine Embassy Officers and staff.

The resource speakers for these briefings included Welfare Officer Zenaida S. Ramos, SSS Representative Marivic Rutor, and Pag-ibig Representative Arlina Feliciano.

•Welfare Officer Ramos discussed the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) programs and benefits. These consisted of:

1. Disability, dismemberment, and death benefits, on top of what was stipulated in the OFW's employment contract;

2. Education and training benefits, such as Education Development Scholarship Program (EDSP), a 4 to 5 years baccalaureate scholarships for OFW's qualified dependents with 150 scholarship slots per school year; Skills for Employment Scholarship Program (SESP), a short-term or up to 2-years TESDA accredited vocational or technician courses for OFWs and their dependents; Overseas Filipino Workers Development Scholarship Program (OFWDSP), a financial assistance for poor but deserving students or dependents of OFWS under the new OFW dependent scholarship with a target of 1,250 scholars nationwide; Tuloy-Aral and Tuloy-Kolehiyo program;

3. Livelihood loan programs for OFWs who wanted to go into business; and

4. Workers assistance and on-site programs such as reintegration program through skills training/livelihood, counseling services, conciliation of cases, healthcare concerns of OFWs (visit to sick OFWs in hospitals), and assistance in the repatriation of distressed workers and human remains;

5. Special programs and projects such as the "Balik-Pinay, Balik-Hanapbuhay" DOLE Kabuhayan Starter Kit Project for Returning Women OFWs, a livelihood skills training intervention through self/wage employment and the opening for nomination for the search for 2011 Model OFW Family of the Year Award (MOFYA).

Welof Ramos, reminded the workers to renew/update their OWWA membership to avail themselves of its various programs and benefits as well as for their protection.

She also encouraged OFWs to nominate OFWs who qualify for the 2011 MOFYA and be a role models for other OFW families.

• SSS Representative Rutor updated the participants on Social Security System (SSS) program and benefits. She emphasized the need for members to continue paying their premium contributions preferably up to 120 contributions to qualify them for lifetime retirement pay plus year-end bonus.

She also discussed maternity, sickness, partial or total disability, death, and funeral benefits. Likewise, she mentioned various SSS loan packages and investment to their Flexi fund.

She urged OFWs to continue paying their monthly contributions until the age of 60 years or 65 years old to continue enjoying these benefits and have pensions to pay for their needs during old age.

• Pag-ibig Representative Feliciano discussed Philippine Republic Act 9679, requiring all overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to join the Pag-IBIG and enjoy its benefits such as savings that will earn tax-free dividends, low interest housing loans, salary loans, and calamity loans for eligible members.

A total of fifty two (52) overseas Filipino workers attended the orientation.

They expressed appreciation to the Philippine Embassy for this orientation, which would enhance their understanding of the various labour policies of both the Philippines and Brunei Darussalam and enable them to avail themselves of Philippine government programs and services being offered by the Philippine Embassy.