𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐂𝐄𝐁𝐔 𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐎 𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐎𝐅𝐖𝐒, 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐘

Distance should not leave Cebuano overseas workers helpless when emergencies strike their families back home.

During her September 21 visit to the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong, Gov. Pamela S. Baricuatro proposed developing a workable coordination system that could help Cebuano OFWs locate and check on their families during typhoons, earthquakes, floods and other emergencies, particularly when communication lines are disrupted.

Gov. Pam raised the proposal in a meeting with Philippine Consul General Romulo Victor Manzano Israel Jr., Consul Von Ryan Ferrera, Vice Consul Allan Revote, Labor Attaché Atty. Cesar Chavez Jr., DTI Vice Consul Eric Elnar, and OWWA Welfare Officer Marilou Sumalinog.

Among the possibilities discussed was a registry or similar mechanism that could appropriately identify Cebuano OFWs and their families or next of kin in Cebu.

Through such a system, the Provincial Government could potentially coordinate with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) to help check on families when an OFW cannot contact loved ones during a disaster.

The mechanism could also work in the other direction. In case of an emergency involving a Cebuano worker overseas, an established coordination channel could help authorities reach the OFW’s family or next of kin in Cebu.

OWWA officials agreed to explore possible ways to support the proposal, which will require further discussions on the most practical arrangement and appropriate safeguards for personal information.

For Gov. Pam, the objective is to make Cebu Provincial Government services more accessible to Cebuanos even when they are thousands of kilometers away from home.

The meeting also discussed strengthening coordination for repatriated Cebuano workers. Gov. Pam proposed improving referrals to the Provincial Government so returning OFWs can be connected with available employment, livelihood opportunities and other forms of assistance in Cebu.

Beyond OFW welfare, discussions covered tourism promotion and economic opportunities, including ways to introduce Cebu further to the Hong Kong market and build connections that could contribute to tourism, business, investments, jobs and livelihoods back home.

The Hong Kong engagement reflects a broader direction for the Province: international connections should not only promote Cebu abroad—they should also strengthen the support available to Cebuanos wherever they may be. 💜

Caption reference: Capitol PIO