OFW Party-list Rep. Marissa del Mar Magsino joins Pinoy workers in her recent visit in Malaysia. Photo: OFW Party-list
OFW Party-List Representative Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino recently made a 4-day visit to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and met with the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) there, as well as engaged in critical discussions with the Philippine Embassy and Migrant Workers Office (MWO) officials in Malaysia.
On August 4, 2023, the party list legislator met with Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Charles Jose, officials of the Migrant Workers Office, together with Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Arnaldo Arevalo “Arnell” Ignacio and leaders of the Filipino communities in Malaysia.
The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations between the Philippines and Malaysia and addressing pressing issues concerning the 950,043 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and Overseas Filipinos in the host country.
With the given significant number of Filipinos working in Malaysia, it has come to light that there are approximately 650,000 undocumented OFWs currently residing and working there, as reported by Labor Attaché Teresa Pimentel. They also discussed labor migration and policies impacting migrant workers. The need to foster cooperation between the two nations in addressing the challenges faced by OFWs was also underscored.
“Mahalaga sakin na masiguro ang kanilang kapakanan at proteksiyon habang nasa ibang bansa sila para magtrabaho. Dahil dito, tungkulin kong makipagtulungan sa ating embahada sa Malaysia upang maisakatuparan ang mga kinakailangang hakbang at solusyon para sa ating mga kababayan na nandito,” said Magsino.
Another highlight of Rep. Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino’s visit was her participation as inspirational speaker in the Young and Adult Camp—OFW Olympics 2023, an event that brought together 2,000 OFWs in Malaysia.
This gathering provided an avenue for Rep. Magsino to interact with OFWs, listen to their concerns, and gain deeper insights into the issues they confront daily. While acknowledging the issues faced by OFWs worldwide, such as abuses, labor violations, and scams, she expressed hope for a better situation for the Filipino workers in Malaysia.
“Nadarama natin ang bigat ng mga suliraning nararanasan ng ating mga kababayan sa pagtatrabaho sa ibang bansa. Bilang inyong kinatawan sa Kongreso, itinatalaga ko ang aking sarili at panahon sa pagtukoy ng mga solusyon sa mga problem ng ating labor migration,” Magsino said.
The event was followed by a visit to the Migrant Workers Office coinciding with the graduation of students under its Skills Training Program.
Magsino expressed her support for such initiatives and highlighted the need for comprehensive programs that cater to the professional growth of OFWs.
Another significant event during her trip was the dialogue with Filipino Community Leaders in Malaysia.
In this meeting, Magsino and the community leaders discussed major concerns of OFWs worldwide, including contract-related issues, specifically contract substitution resulting in the downgrading of position and salary, and the non-payment, underpayment, or delay in payment of salaries of our OFWs.
They also discussed violations of immigration laws, incidents of overstaying and abuse of working permits, illegal recruitment and human trafficking, employer abuse and maltreatment. A concern was raised by an OFW stating that to if they wish to take a vacation in the Philippines they must ensure re-employment upon return in Malaysia, however, agencies requires them to pay nearly P147,000 or more to secure their slot for re-employment.
Additionally, Magsino highlights a recent incident involving three Filipinos who encountered difficulties with their employer. The company they were associated with was falsely raided due to alleged drug-related issues. The three Filipinos were fortunately assisted by the Embassy of the Philippines during this challenging situation.
During the dialogue with the OFW Community, she also presented the programs and projects of the OFW Party List, and her accomplishments in Congress as a legislator thus far. The exchange of ideas enabled Magsino to identify potential solutions and create informed policies aimed at safeguarding the welfare of OFWs.
