RP cited in Tel Aviv meet for protection of workers

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine officials in Israel were cited for the protection of Filipino migrant workers there during a recent meeting with representatives from Israel's Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Justice. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the meeting was at the request of Rachel Gershuni, national coordinator of the Battle against Trafficking in Persons of the Ministry of Justice. "Ms. Gershuni stated that the Philippine Embassy is perceived as offering the best protection for its workers among the labor-sending countries, aside from having the most systematic procedure in labor recruitment and deployment," the DFA said in its website (www.dfa.gov.ph). It added the conference is also consistent with the embassy's program of regularly engaging key government officials and offices that deal directly or indirectly with OFWs. The DFA said Gershuni also noted that Filipino caregivers generally know their rights, adding that information gathered at the conference will allow them to formulate policies beneficial to foreign workers. Philippine Ambassador Petronila Garcia provided a brief overview of the system, the specific section in the embassy that deals with OFWs, and the different offices (Philippine Overseas Labor Office and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) attached to the embassy under the concept of the “one country team" approach. Garcia also cited the basic laws pertaining to the protection of Philippine citizens abroad, such as the Migrant Workers' Act of 1995 and the Trafficking of Persons Law. She also said the protection of Filipino workers is a pillar of Philippine foreign policy. Also, she said that as part of the services of the embassy, embassy personnel are also given the opportunity to learn the "fundamentals" of the host country, including the culture, tradition, customs and religion, so that they themselves could better understand the Jewish culture and subsequently share what they learned to OFWs. Labor Attaché Merriam Cuasay added that the Embassy provides regular orientation seminars for newly-arrived or first-time caregivers or workers at the embassy, including other activities that promote the welfare, health and well-being of Filipino workers. "MFA and Justice Officials were further impressed when they sat down with officers of Federation of Filipino Communities in Israel (FFCI) who raised specific issues and problems. Filipino organizations act as a vital two-way conduit between the Embassy and the community and often provides assistance to distressed Filipinos," the DFA said. - GMANews.TV