NRCO now part of OWWA in providing services to OFWs

San Fernando City, La Union—The National Reintegration Centers of OFWs (NRCO) is now part of the Overseas Welfare Administration (OWWA) pursuant to OWWA Act of 2016.

The said Act states that NRCO becomes an OWWA attached office and headed by an executive director who shall be under the supervision of the OWWA administrator. Being an attached office of the OWWA, NRCO will undertake all the reintegration services of the agency.

NRCO, which Republic Act 10022 institutionalized, caters to the reintegration needs of the OFWs as well as those who are in distressful situations.

Some NRCO’s reintegration programs includes Balik Pinay, Balik Hanapbuhay and Livelihood Development Assistance Program (LDAP) wherein beneficiaries were given trainings and start-up kits for their business ventures. OFWs who may avail these programs are distressed women worker-returnees who are victims of human trafficking, illegal recruitment, sexual harassment and maltreatment or abuse as well as those who are undocumented OFWs.

NRCO also extends assistance to those who have taken the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) but opted to work abroad as domestic workers through Sa Pinas Ikaw ang Ma’am/Sir. The said program aims to re-train these LET passers turned domestic workers on the skills needed to qualify for a teaching position in the Department of Education.

Financial literacy trainings are also given through Small Business Management Training and Financial Awareness Seminar which aims to educate these OFWs and their families about finances relative to their overseas employment and to encourage them in putting up a small business enterprise for self-employment.

Byaheng Agri-preneur is also given to OFWs who want to be in lined to the agriculture business. In Byaheng Agri-preneur, OFWs are exposed to agricultural opportunities and given skill enhancement training.

In OWWA RWOI, the NRCO reintegration officer is Iries Sarmiento Mazon

Distressed and undocumented OFWs who need assistance may contact OWWA RWOI or NCRO with the following numbers: 0910-967-4663 / 0908-863-4250 / 0908-863-4300 / 0927-620-7300 / (072) 700-0330 / (072) 888-4584. Clients may also visit OWWA RWOI at 2nd Floor, Kenny Plaza Bldg., Quezon Avenue City of San Fernando, La Union. (OWWA)