QUEZON CITY GOVERNMENT IN PROTECTING MIGRANT’S WELFARE AND INTEREST
Quezon City is a haven for migrants due to its nature of being highly urbanized, dynamic population and responsive environment. These conditions heavily attract local and foreign migrants in the City yearly. The City’s initiatives on migration are continuously developed to mitigate the vulnerabilities of migrants by enhancing its processes and systems to better respond to the needs and serve the City’s migrants.
QC-PESO plays a vital role as a key partner in the nationwide drive protecting the migrant and their families that will best serve the migrants welfare!
PRE-EMPLOYMENT ORIENTATION SEMINAR
One of the City’s initiatives is the conduct of Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS). The PEOS is given to aspiring migrants which tackles the realities of migration and how to prepare themselves for work abroad. It also warns them on the modus-operandi of traffickers and illegal recruiters. The PEOS is an important phase of the pre-migration stage which aims to provide knowledge and brief the migrants on the scenarios and realities of working abroad and the application process for overseas jobs. It helps the potential migrants to make a sound decision and prevent them from being victimized by criminal syndicates. QC-PESO continuously conducts various sessions of PEOS in Quezon City Hall and in different barangays of Quezon City.
A total of one thousand three hundred nine (1,309) aspiring OFWs have given Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar for the year 2018. Five hundred forty-one are male and the remaining seven hundred sixty-eight (768) are female. The table below shows the schedule of PEOS conducted in the year 2018.
ANTI-ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT (AIR) SEMINAR AND ANTI-TRAFFICKING IN PERSON
Another City’s initiative to protect the migrants’ welfare and interest is the conduct of the Anti-Illegal Recruitment (AIR) and Anti-Trafficking in Person Seminar. It is held twice a year targeting the Barangay Councils and their staff as participants. They are being oriented on what constitutes illegal recruitment and how to address the situation if their constituents have been victimized. As foot soldiers in the fight against illegal recruitment, village officials are at the forefront of Quezon City’s strong commitment in protecting migrant Filipinos. The seminar is held together with POEA and the Local Government of Quezon City through the Public Employment Service Office. For the year 2018, two hundred fifty-two (252) barangay officials and staff have engaged to AIR Seminar. The table below shows the schedule of seminars conducted in 2018.
| Date | Venue | No. of Participants | ||
| Male | Female | Total | ||
| April 20, 2018 | Brgy. Hall Brgy. Talayan, QC | 10 | 44 | 54 |
| August 23, 2018 | Committee Room 2 & 3, QC Hall | 82 | 116 | 198 |
| TOTAL | 92 | 160 | 252 | |
COMMUNITY ORGANIZING
In connection with the identified initiatives and activities, the City is motivated to give further assistance to the migrants and their families. With that, QC communities and barangays were organized for the purpose of conceptualization and implementation of future migration and development programs.
In this activity, participants will be informed on the OWWA and PESO programs and services, the pros and cons of working abroad and the importance of having an organized OFC Chapters. The community will enable them to facilitate the needs of each member even more. Election of officers may be conducted after the discussion. Through this initiative, attendees will be encouraged to establish Overseas Filipino Workers and Family Circle in selected areas of Quezon City and its officers.
Ms. Noemi Tresvalle, QCPESO OFW Program Project Officer along with Mr. Aaron Abad, OWWA Family Welfare Officer has visited nine (9) barangays of Quezon City to organize OFWs and their families. Here is the list of barangays that have been visited by QCPESO personnel and OWWA Family Welfare Officer.
| Date | Venue | No. of Participants | ||
| Male | Female | Total | ||
| March 15, 2018 | Brgy. Hall Brgy. Bag-bag | 16 | 34 | 50 |
| April 28, 2018 | Brgy. Hall Brgy. Paltok | 4 | 21 | 25 |
| May 23, 2018 | Brgy. Hall Brgy. Botocan | 30 | 28 | 58 |
| July 14, 2018 | Brgy. Hall Brgy. Central | 3 | 22 | 25 |
| August 10, 2018 | Covered Court Brgy. Old Capitol Site | 5 | 18 | 23 |
| Sept. 13, 2018 | Brgy. Hall Brgy. Paligsahan | 21 | 29 | 50 |
| Sept. 20, 2018 | Brgy. Hall Brgy. San Vicente | 30 | 17 | 47 |
| Sept. 29, 2018 | Covered Court Brgy. Pinyahan | 16 | 47 | 63 |
| Nov. 15, 2018 | Brgy. Hall Brgy. San Martin De Porres | 9 | 19 | 28 |
| TOTAL | 134 | 235 | 369 | |
PROFILING OF OFW’S WITHIN QUEZON CITY
Through the city profile of overseas Filipinos, QCMDC enables to formulate evidence-based policies, programs and actions for the city’s migrant population thus the city continuously updates and creates a comprehensive city profile on migration and migrants.
In 2018, a total of ____ OFWs have been profiled by QCPESO personnel. They were profiled during visitation in different barangays of Quezon City while some of them are walk-ins to seek assistance and referrals from QCPESO Office.
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QCMDC/QCPESO INVOLVEMENT AND PARTICIPATION IN VARIOUS ADVOCACIES ON MIGRATION
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- Participated in the REINTEGRATION DUTYBEARERS HANDBOOK WRITESHOP that was organized by Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and International Organization for Migration (IOM) held on February 1 – 2, 2018 at Xenia Hotel Clark, Pampanga.
This activity was organized by International Organization for Migration (IOM) together with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in line with the Enhancing Reintegration Programme for OFWs (ERPO) Project of the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO), attended by various stakeholders that has reintegration program and services such as Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Public Employment Service Office (PESO) from different Local Government Units (LGU), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Landbank of the Philippines, NRCO, OWWA, and IOM.
Furthermore, as part of this project, the Reintegration Services Dutybearers’ Handbook has been developed and serves as a reference material for reintegration counselors. This writeshop allowed the stakeholders and partners in reintegration to go over and build on the existing draft of the Handbook. In this writeshop, the stakeholders reviewed the content of Handbook page by page and facilitated by Mr. Ricardo Casco, Mission Coordinator/National Programme Officer, Labour Migration and Migration and Development Unit (LMU) IOM Philippines.
- Participated in the exhibit entitled, BEYOND MYSELF: FILIPINO MIGRANTS’ INVESTMENTS IN PHILIPPINE FUTURES (EXHIBIT) held on February 15, 2018 at Vargas Museum, University of the Philippines, Quezon City.
Beyond Myself explores Filipino migrants’ aspirations for and investments in their own and others’ futures in the Philippines. Specifically it draws on and curates art works and visual images produced mainly through a series of participatory workshops with Filipino migrants living and working in London and Hong Kong. The arts based workshops enabled participants, mainly Filipino care and domestic workers, to reflect on the different meanings of development and their contributions to that.
The exhibit features the works and materials by Filipino artist Nathalie Dagmang, the Hong Kong-based domestic worker artist collective Guhit Kulay, and Voices of Women Media (VOW Media) a not-for-profit organization that seeks to empower women through media and technology.
- Participated in the event entitled, CONVERSATIONS ON DOMESTIC WORKER MIGRATION: BEYOND BUSINESS AS USUAL held on February 20, 2018 at Discovery Suited, 25 ADB Ave. Ortigas Center, Pasig City.
The Scalabrini Migration Center co-organized a meeting of migration stakeholders in collective conversations on ways forward concerning domestic worker migration. A knowledge café was also held in the conversations on domestic worker migration. This is in addition to the Beyond Myself exhibit from the Curating Development Project.
- Participated in the 2018 GLOBAL ONLINE CONFERENCE OF OVERSEAS FILIPINOS AND LIVELIHOOD INVESTMENT EXHIBITIONS held on February 24, 2018 at Philippine Trade Training Center cor. Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave., Pasay City.
This activity aims to help overseas Filipinos identify livelihood projects that can put up back home. Mr. Carlo Magno Abella also shared the Quezon City best practices on migration as well as its programs and services to OFWs and families.
- Participated in the event organized by CMA, the MIGRANTS RIGHTS AND CASE MANAGEMENT TRAINER’S TRAINING held from April 11-13, 2018 at Amazing View Resort, Mabitac Laguna.
Representatives of QCPESO along with other local partners including various organizations concerned in migration have participated in the training. In the 3-day activity, key persons from various national agencies like POEA, OWWA, and NRCO provided lectures on handling cases pertaining to migration. Different workshops and sharing of best practices among attendees was also held in the activity.
- Participated in the ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION ON MIGRATION GOVERNANCE, RIGHTS AND ACCESS TO JUSTICE, AND REINTEGRATION PROGRAM: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FROM THE PERSPECTIVES OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS held on June 26, 2018 at EPWMD Conference Room, Quezon City Hall Compd., Quezon City. Different organizations and institutions such as CMA, various Local Government Units, National Governments, NGOs and other concerned organizations in relation to migration attended the activity.
Stakeholders from national agencies, local government units, non-government organizations and academe were invited by the CMA for the round table discussion on migration governance. In the activity, participants presented their issues and concerns in handling cases of OFW. Representatives from LGUs also shared their best practices on migration.
- Participated in the CASE CONFERENCE SEMINAR in partnership with CMA held on June 27, 2018 at Max’s Restaurant, QC Circle Circumferential Road, Quezon City. Participated by: National Government Agency, Non-Government Organization, Overseas Filipino Family Circle from Region 4A and Local Government Unit.
- Participated in the NATIONAL CONSULTATION ON THE GLOBAL COMPACT FOR SAFE, ORDERLY AND REGULAR MIGRATION held on July 26-27, 2018 at Hive Hotel, Quezon City.
- Commenced the SIGNING CEREMONY OF MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) BETWEEN CMA AND QCPESO (A One Stop Shop Migration Resource Center) held on July 31, 2018 at PESO Office, Quezon City Hall.
The QC government through QCPESO has entered into a partnership with the Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA) to establish a Migrant Resource Center. The partnership has ratified through a signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) represented by Mr. Carlo Magno Abello (QCPESO Officer-in-Charge) and Ms. Ellene Sana (CMA Executive). Mr. Elvince L. Sardjono (AWO Int’l Program Officer) together with QCMDC members witnessed the important ceremony.
According to the Memorandum of Understanding, PESO will be tasked to collate the data of migrant workers and their families. They will also disseminate information and conduct consultation activities needed for the improvement of programs and services for the OFWs.
The CMA, on the other hand, will take charge of activities to enhance partner organizations and local government units for the establishment of MRC’s, as well as to conduct consultations and information dissemination activities in barangays.
- Participated in the event entitled, MIGRANT DOMESTIC WORKERS ACCESS TO JUSTICE: STUDY ON ADMINISTRATIVE CASES AND MONEY CLAIMS held on October 26, 2018 at Max’s Restaurant, 21 Sct. Tuazon St. Diliman, Quezon City.
No. of Participants 27 – (Male – 8 Female – 19)
- Participated in the ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION ON POLICY ADVOCACY organized by CMA on November 28, 2018 at Brgy. Hall Brgy. San Martin De Porres, Quezon City.
No. of Participants 37 – (Male- 15 Female – 22)
- Participated in the consultation initiated by UP CIFAL Philippines entitled, “PHILIPPINE OUTLOOK ON MIGRATION AND GENDER EQUALITY” on November 28, 2018 at University of the Philippines School of Statistics in Quezon City.
Thirty-five representatives from government agencies, universities, and civil society organizations attended the consultation. It aims to gather comments from different stakeholders on the working paper, “The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Global Compact for Migration (GCM): A Philippine Outlook on Migration and Gender Equality,” an initiative of UP CIFAL Philippines to identify possible steps forward and strategies to address diverse migration challenges.
- Participated in the 5TH MAYORAL FORUM ON HUMAN MOBILITY, MIGRATION AND DEVELOPMENT “CITY LEADERSHIP IN IMPLEMENTING THE UN GLOBAL COMPACTS” held on December 8, 2018 at Marrakech, Morocco.
This year’s forum focused on three policy themes: addressing special needs and reducing vulnerabilities; providing access to basic services; and empowering migrants, refugees and societies to realize full inclusion and social cohesion, including through employment and skills mobility. For each of these themes, cities identified what they are doing, what they further commit to and what support they need in the areas of resources (ex. Financing), tools (ex. data, standards) and partnerships (local, national, global).
During the mayoral forum, mayors adopted the Marrakech Mayoral Declaration “Cities Working Together for Migrants and Refugees”. It calls for the full and formal recognition of the role of local authorities in the implementation, follow-up and review of both Global Compacts, recalling that they are at the forefront of managing the impact of migration as well as the promotion of inclusive, safe and sustainable societies, as migration remains primarily an urban and local phenomenon.
For the outcome of this event, signing of the Mayors’ Declaration which outlines cities’ and other local and regional authorities’ commitments in relation to their efforts to contribute to the achievement of both the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) and the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) was held. The Declaration also calls on the international community, national governments and private sector to recognize and consider cities’ expertise and ensure their inclusion in the implementation and follow up of the GCM and GCR.
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QCMDC IN STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIP AND ADVOCACY
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- QCMDC representatives have participated in the QCMDC STRATEGIC PLANNING held from January 23 – 26, 2018 at Caliraya Resort Club, Lewin, Lumban Laguna.
QC-MDC members from various departments and offices of Quezon City government and other partner institutions like Center for Migrants Advocacy (CMA) and CIFAL Philippines.
The 4-day Strategic Planning was composed of various activities such as seminar, orientation, and workshop. It aims to enhance the QC-MDC’s knowledge and skills on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The participants were given a crash course on mainstreaming the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), starting from the history and the process behind the post-2015 agenda, to leveraging resources and working with non-government sectors. Through a series of practical activities, CIFAL Philippines assisted the QC-MDC in locating their current migration work within the 2030 Agenda. The group also reviewed the Quezon City Development Plan, as well as the progress of the QC-MDC since its inception in 2015.
Ms. Andrea Luisa “Ande” Anolin of CFO, Ms. Joricka Pamintuan of CIFAL Philippines, Ms. Ellen Sana of CMA and Ms. Mirasol “Myra” Santos of Quezon City Planning Department served as the resource speakers of this 4-day event. Different topics were presented and discussed such as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and updates on the Philippines’ migration situation to give participants context on national-level policies prior to the participants’ main planning activity.
The final sessions of the event were dedicated in identifying and planning the Council’s projects, programs and activities for the year up to 2022. At the end of the 4-day event, awarding of certificates to the participants and picture taking with the UN flag were held. Participants arrived at Quezon City Hall at 6:30pm.
- Hosted the PROJECT TEAM PLANNING initiated by Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA) held on January 30, 2018 at QC PESO Conference Room
- Inducted the MOA SIGNING CEREMONY BETWEEN CFO AND QCLGU IN SUPPORT TO THE E-GOVERNANCE PROJECT WHICH IS THE BALINKBAYAN PORTAL held on August 17, 2018 at 3rd Bulwagan Amoranto, Quezon City Hall.
In support to the localization of CFO e-governance project, a Memorandum of Agreement between QCLGU and CFO has been ratified by Hon. Herbert M. Bautista (Quezon City Mayor) and Usec. Astravel Pimentel-Naik (CFO Undersecretary) through MOA signing ceremony. In attendance were over a hundred representatives of various Quezon City OFW Associations and several QC departments including members of the QC Migration and Development Council, led by the Quezon City Public Employment and Services Office (PESO), and local partners.
This localized website is an online project developed by CFO, which provides information to Filipinos abroad about Quezon City’s programs on investment, donating and volunteering mechanisms, as well as technology and skills transfer.
Moreover, as an expression of the Quezon City’s appreciation to CFO, Mayor Herbert Bautista awarded a commemorative medallion to Undersecretary Pimentel – Naik.
QCLGU is the first local government unit (LGU) in the National Capital Region (NCR) to implement the e-governance project.
- The Council had a lakbay aral activity wherein QCMDC KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE was held on November 20-23, 2018 in the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte and Pangasinan.
Through the QCMDC Knowledge Exchange, members of the Council have several lakbay aral activities and visited institutions with best practices and successful endeavors which can possibly replicate for own local context. Through this program, the Council exposed in various projects of certain localities and initiated dialogues with like-minded local authorities to facilitate inter-city knowledge exchange and cooperation. Pertinent lectures, consultation, and on-sight learning have conducted during the visit. Sharing best practices on migration and development initiatives greatly help to deepen the Council ideas and knowledge about the program – migration governance structures of Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte and Pangasinan.
- The Council conducted a QCMDC CHRISTMAS PARTY on December 17, 2018 at the 4th Flr. QC-PESO Civic Center Bldg. A, Quezon City Hall.
This is a year-end gathering of QCMDC members in celebration of Christmas season. The activity aims to feel the spirit of Christmas and to build good camaraderie among the members of the Council. Raffle draws and games were held at the party.
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QC WAYS IN EMPOWERING OFWS AND FAMILIES
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- LIVELIHOOD TRAINING ON MEAT PROCESSING FOR THE OFW BENEFICIARIES
QCLGU in partnership with OWWA aims to empower the OFWs and families by providing opportunities to more entrepreneurial activities and sustainable livelihoods. Through the training, they will be capable to generate income and support their families with the skills they learned.
| Date | Venue | No. of Participants | ||
| Male | Female | Total | ||
| January 6-7, 2018 | NegoSkwela, Quezon City | 1 | 1 | |
| May 3, 2018 | Quezon City Hall Covered Walk | 14 | 36 | 50 |
| TOTAL | 14 | 37 | 51 | |
- QCPESO staff together with OWWA Family Welfare Officer initiated to have a BUSINESS INSPECTION TO THE POSSIBLE BENEFICIARIES OF LIVELIHOOD ASSISTANCE GRANT UNDER THE “BALIK PINAS BALIK HANAPBUHAY PROGRAM FOR OFW.
| Date | Venue | No. of Participants |
| February 6, 2018 | Dist. 6 – Brgy. Culiat, Pasong Tamo, Tandang Sora, Sauyo & Talipapa | 7 |
| February 8, 2018 | Dist. 2 – Brgy. Batasan Hills, Bagong Silangan, Holy Spirit, Commonwealth & Payatas | 16 |
| February 15, 2018 | Dist. 3 – Brgy. Loyola Heights, Escopa 1,
Bagumbayan Dist. 4 – Roxas, Central, Pinyahan & Krus na Ligas |
7 |
| February 22, 2018 | Dist. 5 – Brgy. Fairview, Gulod, Bag-bag, Nova. Proper, San Bartolome & Sta. Lucia | 10 |
| May 29, 2018 | Dist. 1, 3 and 4 | 13 |
| May 31, 2018 | Dist. 2, 5 and 6 | 21 |
| October 24, 2018 | Dist. 3 and 4 | 10 |
| October 25, 2018 | Dist. 1 and 6 | 15 |
| October 29, 2018 | Dist. 2 and 5 | 15 |
| TOTAL | 114 | |
- OWWA in partnership with QCPESO held a FINANCIAL LITERACY SEMINAR AND AWARDING OF “BALIK-PINAS, BALIK-HANAPBUHAY PROGRAM” on March 13, 2018 at Quezon City Experience Museum, Quezon City Circle.
“Balik-Pinas, Balik-Hanapbuhay” is a project of OWWA which is a non-cash livelihood support/ assistance to provide immediate relief to returning active or inactive OWWA member-OFWs displaced from their jobs due to war/political conflict in host countries, or policy reforms, controls, and changes by host governments; or were victims of illegal recruitment and /or human trafficking, or other distressful situations. They must have decided to return to the Philippines for good.
- Providing assistance to the repatriated OFWs from Qatar through the OFW HELP DESK OF QCPESO, on May 31, 2018 at PESO Office, Quezon City Hall.
- OFW MEETING FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND OATH TAKING
| Date | Venue | No. of Participants | ||
| Male | Female | Total | ||
| June 1, 2018 | QC-PESO, 4th Flr. Civic Center Bldg. A, QC Hall | 1 | 25 | 26 |
| June 8, 2018 | QC-PESO, 4th Flr. Civic Center Bldg. A, QC Hall | 1 | 15 | 16 |
- OFW GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND OATH TAKING CEREMONY on June 19, 2018 at Event Center, Quezon City Circle Experience, Quezon City.
- CASE MANAGEMENT SEMINAR
| Date | Venue | No. of Participants | ||
| Male | Female | Total | ||
| July 31, 2018 | Brgy. Hall Brgy. Bag-bag | 4 | 21 | 25 |
| August 6, 2018 | Brgy. Hall Brgy. Payatas | 1 | 18 | 19 |
| TOTAL | 5 | 39 | 44 | |
- OFW CHAPTER MEETING together with DOLE-NCR and OWWA on April 20, 2018 at PESO Conference Room, Quezon City Hall.
- FINANCIAL LITERACY (FINLIT) AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP TRAINING SEMINAR on August 17, 2018 at Lecture Room A, Legislative Wing, Quezon City Hall
This seminar will educate the OFWs and their families on the importance of savings besides they will be given tips on how to save money for them to secure their future after working abroad.
- OVERSEAS FILIPINOS REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION DRIVE ON OWWA PROGRAMS AND SERVICES on August 24, 2018 at Brgy. Hall Brgy. San Bartolome, Quezon City.
- BALIK-PINAS BALIK-HANAPBUHAY “ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING”
The series of training is designed to prepare the beneficiaries in their eventual venture to self-employment.
| Date | Venue | No. of Participants | ||
| Male | Female | Total | ||
| September 25, 2018 | Lecture Room A, QC Hall | 10 | 17 | 27 |
| September 26, 2018 | Lecture Room A, QC Hall | 9 | 23 | 32 |
| TOTAL | 19 | 40 | 59 | |
- VALUES FORMATION AND MANAGEMENT TRAINING SEMINAR, AND BAYANIHAN SAVINGS on October 30, 2018 at Quezon City Experience, Quezon City Circle
In this activity, the OFWs and their families will educate on the importance of values in one’s life and assist them to start a business that involves the whole organization.
- FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION WITH CMA ASSESSMENT CASE MANAGEMENT on September 24, 2018 at PESO Conference Room, Quezon City Hall.
- OFW FAMILY DAY “PAMASKUHAN SA QC: PASKONG PINOY PARA SA PAMILYANG OFW” on December 14, 2018 at Shopking Activity Center Commonwealth, Quezon City.
This event serves as a gathering of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and their families to feel the essence of Christmas season and build good camaraderie among other OFC Chapters. Raffle draws and games among the attendees were held.