For almost 2 decades, Villar Foundation has been known for
their works and initiative that promote, protect and provide assistance
especially to distressed migrant workers. The foundation has evolved from just simply
providing free tickets to OFWs who would like to come back home after suffering
from their abusive employers or providing medical help and assistance to OFWs
in need. For the foundation these palliative measures are not enough since they
are temporary and will not solve the problem for which most Filipinos seek work
abroad.
In celebration of its 20th year the Villar Foundation
highlights its achievement as a proactive partner of OFWs in providing
alternative solutions to their desire to have a source of livelihood. To date,
the foundation is engaged in different entrepreneurial activities that generate
jobs. And laudable of their effort also is their emphasis of protecting the
environment as well. The foundation is now engaged in maximizing abundant water
lilies, transforming them to beautiful woven household crafts and decors and
putting into use coco nets to prevent soil erosion. These are just some of the
works of the foundation that benefits both former OFWs and the Filipino
citizens in general.
Last July 11, 2012, at Max’s Restaurant at Star Mall Shaw
Blvd., Cynthia Villar, Managing Director of the Villar Foundation met with
seven OFW beneficiaries to commemorate its 20 years of serving OFWs through its
Sagip-OFW program. The foundation extended livelihood grants or grocery
packages from Puregold for the beneficiaries to start their sari-sari store
business.
The lady director cited, “ We are
aware that it is not enough to repatriate distressed OFWs, we need to help them
get reintegrated as productive members of the society.” Also, in an open forum, when asked about her position with the PHILHEALTH issue being raised by PEBA
and Global OFW Voices, she was quoted saying “OFW should be an
exception to PHILHEALTH because of their work abroad. It will be difficult for
them to claim and avail their benefits. Also, most of them are already covered
by their company’s health insurance. I will definitely help pursue and make
laws that will benefit OFWs.”
The Sagip OFW program
of the foundation extends various forms of support and assistance to OFWs:
repatriation, medical, livelihood, skills-up training, scholarships among others.
In November, it will again stage the OFW & Family Summit, which provides
livelihood and business opportunities to OFWs and their families. Over 5000
attended the summit in 2011. The event is held in partnership with GoNegosyo.
Related link:
©2012 Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards
