DOLE’s OSPC helps out Sabah deportees

By Alma L. Tingcang

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The One-Stop Processing Center (OSPC for Displaced Persons from Sabah in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi has recently assisted another batch of deportees aboard M/V Mideast Express.

In an update report sent to DOLE Secretary Rosalinda D. Baldoz, Ms. Mary Jane R. Amarado, Labor Communications Officer of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA9) said Secretary Baldoz was apprised of the situation by OWWA9 Regional Director Hassan T. Jumdain on the arrival of the deportees.

“The 155 deportees, who had served jail sentence for lack of proper documents are composed of 111 male adult, 41 female adult, and three kids, two boys and a girl,” Baldoz said after receiving the OWWA report.

Six evacuation centers has been established by the Provincial Crisis Management Committee (PCMC) chaired by Governor Sadikul A. Sahali, one of which is located at Tubig Tanah, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi where the deportees are being housed. This effort is in anticipation of the influx of deportees and refugees resulting from the recent Lahad Datu standoff.

Amarado said the OSPC, among others, facilitates the smooth arrival of deportees, provides various services like TESDA training, POEA processing of OEC, OWWA membership and reintegration services such as entrepreneurship training, skills enhancement, livelihood assistance, capacity building and referral for local employment. (ALT-PIA9/With report from Mary Jane R. Amarado/OWWA9)