In a manifestation during the confirmation hearing for officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs recently, Senator Bong Go conveyed his support for foreign service officials and emphasized the need to fulfill their duties effectively by being accessible to fellow Filipinos.
Recognizing the vital work carried out by the employees of the DFA, Go shared that he filed Senate Bill No. 1706, which proposes the Foreign Retirement and Disability Benefits Act.
If enacted into law, this bill would increase the monthly pension and disability benefits of DFA retirees to match the current pay scale of active personnel. Additionally, survivorship benefits would be provided to eligible dependents.
The legislator then urged his colleagues in Congress to support the bill, highlighting his commitment to the welfare of DFA officers and employees, including ambassadors and consuls.
“This is my testament of support to the DFA. Sabi ko nga, kahit bill pa lang po ito, sana po’y masuportahan ito ng mga kasamahan ko sa Kongreso, sa Senado,” the lawmaker said.
“Always po akong full support sa ating mga foreign affairs officials and employees, including ambassadors and consuls,” the senator assured.
In his speech in the plenary, the Vice Chair of the CA Committee on Foreign Affairs then expressed his support for the nominations and urged the officials to fulfill their duties with utmost dedication.
“Dapat mas maramdaman ng ating mga kababayan abroad ang presensya ninyo lalo na sa mga panahong sila ay lubos na nangangailangan.”
“Dapat mas maramdaman ng ating mga kababayan abroad ang presensya ninyo lalo na sa mga panahong sila ay lubos na nangangailangan,” said Go.
“Hindi na dapat pang dumaan sa social media, radyo, telebisyon o sa iba pang panawagan ang ating mga OFWs upang humingi ng tulong,” he pointed out.
Go added that the ambassadors should actively champion the rights, welfare, and interests of all Filipinos in their host country, saying, “This function of yours is, for me, more important than meeting with fellow dignitaries.”
“Kayo ang extension ng ating gobyerno sa host countries ninyo kaya dapat ang serbisyo ninyo, as head of post, ay laging handa at walang pinipiling tao o oras,” he stressed.
In his speech during the committee hearing, Go sought assurance that the newly confirmed officials would advocate for the interests of Overseas Filipino Workers.
He emphasized the importance of accessibility, urging ambassadors to be reachable to Filipinos in need.
“My general questions to our ambassadors would be – kaya nyo bang ipaglaban ang kapakanan ng mga Pilipino abroad lalong lalo na po yung OFWs? Willing ba kayo na ibigay ang number nyo para ma-contact kayo ng mga kababayan natin kung saan man kayo ma-appoint? 24 hours on call ba kayo? Approachable ba kayo or reachable? Lalo na sa mga ordinaryong kababayan natin na nasa ibang bansa?” Go said.
“Alam ko naman po at alam ninyo na hindi kayo pumunta sa abroad para mamasyal, at asikasuhin lang po yung mga bisita, kundi dapat po’y bukas po ang inyong opisina para sa ordinaryong mamamayang Pilipino at ‘yung mga OFWs natin na wala pong matakbuhan kundi tayong nasa gobyerno,” he reminded.
Go stressed the need for ambassadors to be available 24/7 and approachable to Filipino citizens abroad, particularly those who may feel helpless or hopeless and have no one else to turn to for assistance.
“Para po ito sa kapakanan ng ating mga OFWs na nagsasakripisyo sa ibang bansa, napakahirap pong mapalayo sa ating pamilya. Hindi po nababayaran ng kahit ano yung lungkot na mapalayo sa ating mga pamilya. Kaya lang, kailangan po nila magtrabaho sa abroad, at may mapadala sa kanilang mga pamilya,” he said.
Go also highlighted the significance of public relations in public service, emphasizing the need for DFA offices to be open and accommodating to all Filipinos, especially those who lack support or resources.
“Napakaimportante po ang public relations sa public service. Dapat po bukas ang ating opisina sa mga ordinaryong Pilipino o sa mga OFWs lalo na po ‘yung mga kababayan nating walang matakbuhan,” he said.
To conclude, Go made a simple request to prioritize the well-being and interests of ordinary Filipinos abroad, especially OFWs, referring to them as the country’s modern-day heroes.
“Pakinggan ninyo ang kanilang mga hinaing at sumaklolo kaagad sa kanila kapag meron silang mga problema.”
“Pakinggan ninyo ang kanilang mga hinaing at sumaklolo kaagad sa kanila kapag meron silang mga problema,” he urged.
Go was one of the authors and co-sponsors of the Senate version of Republic Act No. 11641 which created the Department of Migrant Workers. The law streamlined the organization and functions of all government agencies related to overseas employment and migration through the creation of the DMW.
The DMW operates as a one-stop shop for both documented and undocumented OFWs, rendering government services from pre-employment to employment and reintegration.
