The Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Kuwait has reported a significant decrease in the number of Filipina women staying in shelter over the past few months. Officer in Charge Labor Attaché Teresa Olgado credited the fall in numbers to a closer and better relationship between Kuwait and Philippines. The Times Kuwait interviewed Olgado on the matter.
The Times Kuwait: After the dispute between Kuwait and Philippines has been resolved, how many Filipina wards were left in the care of the shelter?
Teresa Olgado: The number varied as we continuously processed their repatriation but about 800 were left and awaited their return to Philippines.
The Times Kuwait: How many are currently seeking care in the shelter?
Teresa Olgado: We currently provide care to 173 and another substantial number will be repatriated this coming week. Kuwait government has been very helpful in speeding up the process and we laud them for their generous cooperation. We also thank our hard working staff, including John Vincent Baginda, Welfare Officers and the whole team of Philippine Overseas Labor Office who tirelessly work on resolving concerns and issues of our wards so that their stay in the shelter is shorter and they can come home to their families at the soonest.
The Times Kuwait: What is the average number of Filipina women who come to the center seeking shelter daily?
Teresa Olgado: It used to be an average of 5 to 8 or more, but this has also dropped significantly, in some days there are as few as one or two and on some days there are none. This is a very good indication that the working condition of our workers have improved.
The Times Kuwait: What are the common concerns of these women?
Teresa Olgado: Not enough rest or overworked, theft cases, travel bans and no day offs, but cases of physical abuses have also decreased in numbers and at times hardly any cases are reported by workers and these are under the auspices of the Assistance to nationals Unit of the Philippine Embassy.
The Times Kuwait: What could have caused all these major changes?
Teresa Olgado: After the dispute between both countries, better communication, and mutual relationship has been renewed and procedures are being followed in accordance with the agreements made. We have also narrowed our numbers of recruitment agencies and strict measures have been implemented to ensure the protection, safety and welfare of our workers. We continuously work side by side with Kuwait government and they have been very helpful.
The Times Kuwait: Could you give a brief message to all the Filipino works in Kuwait.
Teresa Olgado: The Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) is here to help you with whatever concerns you may have or need and require us to address. We do not promise that we can resolve all issues but with the good working conditions we share with Kuwait, we are hopeful that we can find common ground to work out a solution. Please do not hesitate to come to POLO and we will try and exert all possible avenues available to resolve your concerns and issues.
Ricky Laxa
Staff Writer
