Newly appointed Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan said she will prioritize programs focused on the health and education of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
“Kaka-upo ko lang po kahapon pero kinu-commit ko po sa inyo, ang pag-aaralan natin, paano palawakin ang scholarship, hindi lang para sa anak ng OFWs kundi sa mismong OFW,” Caunan said during a forum in Quezon City on Saturday.
She emphasized the importance of supporting OFWs with sick relatives and children in school.
“Dalawa po iyan: Edukasyon at kalusugan. Meron po silang tutulungan na may sakit na kamag-anak nila or meron po silang pag-aaralin mga anak so dyan po tayo magfo-focus pero hindi po natin kakalimutan ang welfare o ‘yung repatriation, tulong,” she added.
Caunan also acknowledged issues faced by OFWs, including overwork and illegal recruitment, and vowed to enhance OWWA’s digital systems for easier access to its programs.
She officially replaced former administrator Arnell Ignacio on Friday.
Caunan confirmed that the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is investigating a PHP1.4-billion land acquisition made during Ignacio’s tenure, allegedly without the approval of the OWWA Board of Trustees. The land was reportedly intended for a halfway house or dormitory for OFWs.
“[DMW] Secretary Hans Cacdac made a statement already, allow me to say this and as a lawyer, I would also say this. There’s an investigation [and we will] allow due process to take its course,” Caunan said.
“As the new administrator of OWWA, we will perform the necessary audit. We will seek the required legal opinion from the Department of Justice,” she added.