With the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) taking over the helm of agencies designated to support overseas Filipino workers, one milestone in their effort is the creation of the One Repatriation Command Center. As the name suggests, the ORCC aims to streamline and optimize the process of repatriating OFWs in distress and aid in their safe return home.
As cases of abduction, trafficking and other forms of abuse against OFWs continue to be reported, the creation of this command center is a welcome development for many. However, what exactly does the ORCC do and how does it work? This article aims to answer these questions by looking at the key functions of the ORCC. Read on.
What is the Meaning of ORCC?
ORCC stands for One Repatriation Command Center. It is a government entity that aims to create a streamlined process for repatriating OFWs in distress. The ORCC will also aid in the safe return of their loved ones who have been victims of exploitation, abuse or other forms of illegal activity abroad.
Under the DMW, this “command center” will supervise everything related to repatriation. It will be responsible for coordinating the activities of various agencies, including the DOLE and OWWA. The ORCC will also coordinate with other government agencies that are tasked with providing assistance to OFWs in distress abroad.
Purpose of ORCC
Although several government agencies already deal with overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), there is still no single entity that coordinates their repatriation process when needed. The ORCC in its early stages, is expected to fill this gap. The ORCC will be the point of contact for OFWs who need assistance abroad. It will also serve as a repository of information on distressed Filipinos and their employment status in different countries.
As the number of OFWs in distress abroad cases increases, the ORCC will be able to better coordinate efforts to repatriate them. It will also be a one-stop shop for OFWs and their families who need information about how to get help overseas.
The goal is for the ORCC to eventually become independent from DSWD, as the latter already has a lot of work to do. On the other hand, the ORCC will be tasked with addressing the needs and concerns of OFWs and their families and protecting them from abuse. It also has to oversee the implementation of laws that promote their welfare.
Before, many OFWs went to various government agencies in the Philippines to get help. With the One Repatriation Command Center, they can now get the help they need immediately. This eliminates the need for them to go through a lengthy process.
Functions and Responsibilities of ORCC
The ORCC serves as the national focal point for the repatriation of OFWs and their families. It also has to provide assistance to returning OFWs, such as medical and legal assistance. It should also help them find jobs in their host countries so that they can support themselves once they go back home. The ORCC is tasked with ensuring that all OFWs are provided with proper orientation before leaving the Philippines.
As an important arm of the DMW, the ORCC is responsible for promoting the welfare of Filipino migrant workers and their families. It also has to ensure that they are well-informed about laws and regulations that will affect them while abroad. The ORCC is tasked with providing assistance to OFWs who have been victimized by human trafficking, illegal recruitment operations and other crimes related to the OFW industry.
With this, OFWs will no longer suffer from exploitation, torture and abuse. The ORCC also has to ensure that all OFWs are protected by law while abroad. It is responsible for providing legal assistance to Filipino migrant workers who need help with different matters such as labor disputes, unpaid wages, wrongful dismissal and other issues related to their work contracts.
List of Programs and Services of ORCC
As the agency is still in its early stages, it has still yet to announce its long-term programs and services. However, the agency has already started its operations by establishing a 24/7 hotline for OFWs and their families to contact them for any assistance or information about their welfare abroad.
One Repatriation Center Telephone Hotline – 1348
Family members of overseas Filipino workers who need help can avail of the facility’s services. They can call the hotline of One Repat-DMW at 1348 toll-free for assistance.
ORCC HelpDesk Office Operating Hours
Another way to get in touch with the agency is through its help desk. The office operates from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Mondays to Fridays. Please be advised that during weekends the ORCC building office is closed, but there will be assistance available 24/7 over the phone and email.
ORCC 24/7 Hotline – 1348
Email – repat@dmw.gov.ph
You can call the DMW’s call center at 1348 or send an email to repat@dmw.gov.ph. There will be a representative who will answer your call and assist you online.
If you are an overseas Filipino worker (OFW), you can also contact the POLO-OWWA offices in your country for assistance. However, in those countries where there are no DMW-associated labor offices yet, you can coordinate with the DFA. These are located in embassies or consulates near your work region.
Video: Migrant Workers dept. launches ‘One Repatriation Command Center’
In this video, the Migrant Workers department launches a new center that seeks to immediately respond to repatriation requests from our kababayans abroad.
According to DMW Secretary Toots Ople, the One Repat-DMW is available for walk-in inquiries and can be contacted via telephone or email. With this, OFWs and their loved ones will be able to get information on the latest developments in their cases and provide feedback on what they need from the government.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does the Centralized Command Center assist OFWs?
The DMW’s command center is a centralized network that will help monitor the repatriation of distressed overseas Filipino workers. It will also coordinate with government agencies and other stakeholders. All requests for the return of the OFWs will be acted on regardless of their status.
2. What is the Importance of the One Repat-DMW?
With the DMW taking the lead, the government can coordinate among relevant agencies to help the thousands of Filipinos who seek to return home.
3. What is repatriated OFW?
In the event of natural calamities or political unrest, the government provides emergency assistance to workers. They are given shelter at the OWWA Halfway Home, transport services, and psycho-social counseling.
4. How does the One Repat-DMW manage repatriation cases?
If an OFW is in distress, or their family members are having problems with repatriation from abroad and need help, they can call the One Repat-DMW hotline “1-348” where there will be a team of case officers to assist them. The center also allows walk-in requests for assistance.
5. How does the ORCC address the issues of OFWs in distress?
In the past, OFWs and their loved ones had to go through several agencies to receive help.
With the ORCC, families from the provinces traveling all the way to Manila won’t incur needless debts and expenses while waiting for government agencies’ responses because the agency will assist them immediately. They will also be able to get the help they need faster.
6. How does the ORCC help repatriate OFWs who are in distress?
The agency will assist repatriating OFWs if they need help with their return as well as provide assistance to their families back home. This includes providing financial assistance for the repatriation of OFWs and their dependents. The agency will also help them find employment overseas or back home if they are already employed but need assistance with their return.
7. What is the role of the OFW-focused agencies in the repatriation process?
The ORCC, POEA, and DOLE are government agencies that are tasked to help OFWs. They provide free assistance with return trip tickets or other travel documents; financial assistance for their repatriation expenses; and find them jobs overseas if they need help with employment.
Summary
The DMW established the One Repatriation Center (One Repat-DMW) to handle the various issues faced by overseas Filipino workers. This facility is also designed to help facilitate the emergency repatriation of individuals.
The facility is located inside the Blas F. Ople Building, EDSA, near Ortigas Avenue. It also has a satellite office at the OWWA.
The establishment of the One Repatriation Center is a great initiative by the DMW to help overseas Filipino workers. It will allow them to get the help they need immediately.
The ORCC is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday. Its 1348 hotline is also available for inquiries during weekends. You can also contact the facility by email at repat@dmw.gov.ph.
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Contact Information
One Repat Center
Address: 2nd floor of the Blas F. Ople Building, EDSA corner Ortigas Avenue
Operating Hours: Mondays to Fridays 8am to 5pm
Telephone Number: 1348 (available 24/7, even weekends)
Email: repat@dmw.gov.ph
Website: https://dmw.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/dmw.gov.ph
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