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By William B. Depasupil Reporter
THE Department of Labor and
Employment (DOLE) is looking at China as a possible new market for
overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), especially teachers and other
skilled workers.
The Department of Foreign Affairs
(DFA) earlier confirmed that China needs English teachers but not
all schools there are authorized by the Chinese government to hire
foreigners.
Labor Secretary Arturo Brion on
Wednesday clarified reports that the government has suspended the
deployment of OFWs to China because of the controversy that arose
from the National Broadband Network deal.
The broadband deal was recently
canceled by President Gloria Arroyo amid allegations that bribes had
been offered by then—Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. to pave
the way for the approval of the deal. He denies the allegation.
Upon Congress’ approval of the
DOLE’s request for funding, Brion said, they will put up a
Philippine Overseas Labor Office in central China to effect the
deployment of the OFWs.
There are two Labor offices in
China now, one in Hong Kong and another in Macau.
Brion told a recent budget
hearing that Labor offices worldwide are indispensable, considering
the nearly eight million Filipinos overseas, including migrant
workers and permanent residents.
He said these labor offices
ensure the OFWs protection from abusive employers as well as
humanitarian help.
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