Go Lauds Passage Of Senate Bill 2423

​SEN. Bong Go welcomed the Senate’s approval of Senate Bill (SB) 2423, or the proposed Bagong Balikbayan Manggagawa Act, on Thursday.

​The bill seeks to establish an integrated framework to help returning migrant workers find local employment, start businesses, access livelihood assistance, and have their skills and work experience acquired abroad recognized.

​“When our OFWs return home, government support should not end there. Assistance must be continuous so that they have a clear direction regarding employment and livelihood,” said Go, author and co-sponsor of the measure.

​Go said reintegration must be a continuing government responsibility, ensuring that returning OFWs have opportunities to rebuild their lives and provide for their families.

​The measure builds on SB 1776, which Go also authored. It proposed a national reintegration framework for returning OFWs and workers whose overseas employment contracts have ended.

​Under SB 1776, the Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Migrant Workers would conduct regular job fairs in strategic locations, while the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority would help recognize qualifications, training and work experience acquired overseas through appropriate certification.

​It proposed business training and access to financing for returning workers seeking to establish their own enterprises.

​“It’s about empowering our OFWs to restart their lives here with dignity and hope,” Go said.