In commemoration of the Migrant Workers’ Day and in coordination with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Berlin, the Philippine Embassy conducted a second labor forum “Usapang OFW for Filipino Migrants in The Netherlands” on 8 June at the Kalayaan Hall of the Chancery. The first one was held on 18 May in Amsterdam.
Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya underscored the commitment of the Embassy to provide the best possible service to Filipinos in The Netherlands, and stressed that the Embassy is constantly trying to find innovative ways to enhance its services, including a more spacious consular section at the newly renovated Chancery, and the extensive use of Facebook, website and other social media platforms to expeditiously convey information to the Filipino-Dutch community. The Embassy Facebook facebook.com/PHinTheNetherlands now has some 6,600 subscribers.
“The Embassy has conducted a series of activities in commemoration of the Philippine Independence Day this June, and this Filipino Migrant Workers forum, which is the fourth one, is the most special as the attendees are overseas Filipino workers whose welfare is the top priority of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the foreign service,” Ambassador Malaya said.
Activities conducted by the Embassy to commemorate Independence Day were an Independence Day Piano Recital on 2 June, reception for Filipino community leaders on 4 June, and Inauguration of the newly-renovated Chancery and reception for the diplomatic corps on 7 June.
Labor Attaché Cruz presented the programs and services offered by POLO, while Welfare Officer Sylvia Gabriel discussed the benefits of being a member of Overseas Workers Welfare Administration. They both encouraged Filipino workers in The Netherlands to consider joining this social insurance and welfare program, and if already a member, to keep their membership updated. Labor Attache Cruz answered queries on labor issues faced by Filipino workers during the open forum.
Consul Jarie Osias responded to questions regarding consular and assistance-to-national services which can be availed of at the Embassy.
“Through the increased presence of the Embassy on Facebook, the Filipino community became more updated on relevant information, especially on the travel restrictions during the pandemic and the conduct of elections in May,” said Mr. Menandro Abanes, SARO community leader.
The forum commenced with the invocation led by Ms. Agnes van der Beek-Pavia, community leader, and followed by the singing of Philippine national anthem by Embassy’s Attaché Mr. Rodelio Asis. This was followed by the recorded video message of Hon. Silvestre H. Bello III, Secretary of Labor and Employment.
OFW e-Cards were also distributed to Filipino migrant workers who earlier registered with the OWWA.
Detailed information on OWWA programs and services are available at https://owwa.gov.ph/. POLO Berlin can be reached at telephone number +49 (0) 30 864 95 0 301 or email address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
