TFC, CFO ink pact to benefit OFWs

MANILA, Philippines - A memorandum of agreement was signed between The Filipino Channel (TFC) and the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) which aims to solidify the ties of overseas Pinoy workers to the Philippines.

“As the largest communications network that pioneered in providing up-to-date information on the Philippines and its diaspora communities, our decision to link up with the Commission on Filipinos Overseas is a strategic move,” said Raffy Lopez, chief operating officer of ABS-CBN Global Ltd.

In his speech, Lopez said, “Together, we hope to equip them for a life far different from their lives in the Philippines, guide them in their journey and to continue to be their pillar of strength as they trudge the unsteady, early stages of life as an overseas Filipino.  In all these, CFO and TFC have found specific ways to bring our efforts together”.

For her part, CFO Secretary Imelda Nicolas said the agreement with TFC is a result of both parties "collective desire to provide good governance to the Filipino people, where ever they may be".

“With TFC, the overseas Filipino community feels closer to home and is updated on what is happening in the Philippines and hopefully will be informed about the programs and activities the Philippine government is undertaking especially through our agency,” she said.

Nicolas added that TFC captured migrants' post arrival anxieties, job search experiences, bouts of loneliness and eventual adjustments in vignettes entitled, "Ako ang TFC". The video clips aim to show the reality that beset migrants, as well as how TFC can help ease their resettlement concerns.

"These will also make Pre-Departure Orientation Seminars more realistic since these are authentic accounts from Canada, Australia, the United States and other destinations under the TFC umbrella,” said the CFO Secretary.

The joint efforts will increase the promotion and protection of the welfare of overseas Filipinos.

“The information that will reach our constituencies shall get more people involved and inspired and will strengthen the “bayanihan spirit” among our more than nine million overseas Filipinos,” Nicolas said.