Forty newly arrived Filipino teachers in Alaska who are H-1B visa holders participated recently in a virtual Post Arrival Orientation Seminar (PAOS) conducted by the Migrant Workers Office in Los Angeles (MWO-LA), under the auspices of the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco.
During the virtual PAOS, the teachers were oriented on the programs and services of the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). The seminar also discussed the consular services of the PH Consulate in San Francisco, particularly those relating to the consular needs of the Filipino teachers, such as passport, notarial, and civil registry services.
During her presentation, Labor Attaché Macy Monique Maglanque of the MWO-LA said that the PAOS complements the pre-departure seminar that Filipino workers undergo before leaving for overseas work. She added that the PAOS also serves as an opportunity for the Filipino teachers to be oriented on the programs and services of the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco and Migrant Workers Office in Los Angeles.
The Labor Attaché also highlighted the newly-launched digital identity system designed for OFWs, which provides a more convenient and efficient alternative to the traditional Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). Through the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), OFWs can now acquire their OFW Pass, streamlining the documentation process for overseas work.
Welfare Officer Carmelita Raquiza of MWO-LA discussed the programs and services of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) which are implemented at the pre-departure stage, during onsite employment, and upon return and reintegration of the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Consul Jed Llona of the PH Consulate in San Francisco provided the participants with information on how to access the Consulate’s services, the requirements, and procedures for securing such services, and the Consulate’s various contact points.
Philippine Honorary Consul in Alaska Rebecca Carrillo shared her insights on the kind of life the Filipino teachers will be facing in Alaska. She highlighted the need for them to adapt to their new environment, while recognizing the resiliency that characterize Filipino workers.
In her remarks during the activity, Deputy Consul General Raquel R. Solano, on behalf of Consul General Neil Frank R. Ferrer, thanked the MWO for organizing the virtual PAOS, which is intended to strengthen the teachers’ capacity to address the challenges and opportunities of migration. She encouraged the teachers to explore the various resources that are available in their respective communities, including those offered by Alaskan authorities, which could help in promoting their professional and personal growth and development. For their work-related concerns, DCG Solano advised them to connect with the MWO, and with the Consulate, for their consular needs and assistance to nationals (ATN) concerns. DCG Solano also noted that it was fitting and proper that the PAOS was being held on National Heroes Day, as overseas Filipino workers, like the newly arrived teachers, are hailed as modern-day heroes, due to their bravery in facing migration challenges, the sacrifices they make to provide a better life for their families, and the honor they bring to their home country, through their individual and collective achievements.
Migrant workers concerns of Filipinos in Alaska are under the purview of the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) based in Los Angeles. The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, which has consular jurisdiction on Alaska, however, exercises administrative supervision and oversight on said office, as well as on the Office of the Philippine Honorary Consul in Alaska.
