Post-arrival orientation held online for OFWs in Louisiana

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A post-arrival orientation seminar for Filipino workers of SONOCO Louisiana, was held online on Feb. 26 by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office, Washington DC (POLO-WDC) and Philippine Consulate General in Houston, Texas, with Philippine Honorary Consul Robert Romero.

Consul General Jerrill Santos said that the orientation was important for workers already onsite to understand their responsibilities and rights under the existing laws of the host country.

“This also complements the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar you have attended prior to your deployment,” Santos said.

Vice Consul Marco Anthony Lopez explained consular services and updates on the latest IATF rules for arriving Filipino workers in the Philippines.  He reminded overseas Filipinos to be diligent regarding the validity of their documents, particularly of their passports. Appointments for passport renewal at this time may be challenging because of the restrictions being implemented due to the pandemic.

Labor Attaché Angela Librado-Trinidad explained POLO services and highlighted the importance of the contract verification process.  POLO, as the implementing arm of DOLE, POEA and OWWA, is mandated to review the employment contracts of Filipino workers to ensure that their labor rights and occupational safety are upheld.

Honorary Consul Robert Romero thanked the Consulate and POLO-WDC for conducting the first PAOS since he was appointed as Honorary Consul.