The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
The Philippines is hailed as among the fastest-growing construction markets, according to the experts from YCP Solidiance, a business management consultant.
Research made by YCP Solidiance showed that the local construction industry is expected to grow by another 9.6 percent until 2025 at a value of US$8.4 billion from the projected increase of 21.2 percent between 2020 and 2023.
The increase in the local construction industry also drives higher demand for manpower, and many overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), with their experience in construction projects and technologies, can help fill this gap. However the consulting firm admitted it will be a difficult decision for the migrant workers who are undeniably earning better abroad.
The report released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) showed that 82.5 percent of OFWs cited securing employment or income-generating activities as their biggest challenge upon returning in 2020. While there are government efforts to reintegrate them into the local workforce, their options are often limited and do not align with their competencies.
Reytech Construction & Development Corp is no stranger to the plight of OFWs, and it’s now emerging as a major supporter of returning OFWs with the thriving local construction industry. The firm was established in 1995 by its founder and chairman Hector s. Reyes, a former migrant worker himself. He worked as a mechanical fitter to supervisor in the Middle East which is a top destination for Filipinos in construction. He equipped himself with the technological skills, management techniques, and commitment to project success that make his company today.
Reyes, with his experience abroad and seeing his fellow OFWs work abroad, is advocating for these highly skilled individuals and actively seeking them out for employment opportunities here at home.
Reyes wants to help the OFWs reintegrate back to the country as he knows the struggles and risks, they face working abroad.
Reytech has established a reputation for delivering quality results with notable firms including Siemens, JG Summit, and Agri Pacific Corp. for Rebisco, Landers Superstore, BB.Q Chicke, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Philippines, Kuya J Restaurant, and Interflour Philippines.
Reyes is quick to credit OFWs for the firm’s almost 30-year success.
“Our OFWs are so brave for enduring homesickness and sacrificing for the happiness of their families,” he said.
Speaking of OFWs, OFW Party List Representative Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino held a policy dialogue today with the Department of Migrant Workers headed by Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac to reiterate her call to use the Department’s Aksyon Fund to help more distressed Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
Rep. Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino wrote to DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac last month, not only to convey the problems of our OFWs in the Middle East but to suggest wider measures to utilize the department’s Aksyon Fund to help OFWs in specific circumstances, especially to cover unpaid debts of OFWs, personal or otherwise, to secure exit visas in favor of OFWs-debtor.
In particular, the party list lawmaker cited the following grounds: death of an OFW-debtor whose remains cannot be repatriated until payment of a debt; OFW-debtor is due to return home or for repatriation for the reason of grave illness, other medical emergencies, or permanent disability; rescue from maltreatment and abuse of employers, contract violation, or serious threats to OFW’s person and well-being from different actors in the host country, which impede the OFW’s opportunity to work; or termination or non-renewal of OFW’s contract and the OFW is 60 years old or above.
The proposal also includes other analogous emergencies requiring the voluntary or mandatory repatriation of the OFW such as the geo-political tensions in the host country.
“When I visited our OFWs in their host countries, these are the common problems they have and these can be solved by reforming the guidelines of the Aksyon Fund. Nasa Middle East man sila, Asia, Europe at iba pang sulok ng mundo, kailangan nila ng mas malawak na tulong natin sa mga realidad na kanilang kinakaharap lalo na sa mga biglaang kailangan lumikas dahil sa tensyon sa bansang pinagtatrabahuhan,” Rep. Magsino explained.
Rep. Magsino also emphasized during the dialogue that many OFWs are successful and are living their dreams, but some go home without any savings, are maltreated, or are victimized by illegal recruiters. She reiterated the need for reintegration programs as safety nets for these OFWs.
“The OFWs may be flattered with accolades of being our modern-day heroes, but what they need right now are targeted solutions to the specific challenges they face in host countries. We have the funds to help them during untenable situations and as they return to the country to start anew.” Rep. Magsino reiterated.
In response, DMW Secretary Cacdac, along with other officials, expressed their support for Rep. Magsino’s proposals and committed to amending the Aksyon Fund guidelines.
DMW officials also cited that they have been extending assistance to OFWs with pending debts or loans under special circumstances. One case is that of a 72-year-old OFW with a grave illness who was assisted by DMW with his pending obligations out of humanitarian consideration.
However, this is not yet explicitly stated in their guidelines and is only done on a case-to-case basis.
Congresswoman Bernadette Herrera also attended the dialogue. She highlighted the Expanded Solo Parent Act (RA 11861), which now includes provisions treating spouses or guardians of OFW children left in the Philippines as solo parents and are thus entitled to the benefits under the law. Secretary Cacdac also mentioned OWWA’s Children’s Program, which aims to involve the identified beneficiaries in various activities.
The Anti-Red Tape Authority, represented by Usec. Gene Abot, was also invited to guide DMW on streamlining processes for a more expeditious delivery of services.
DMW is set to undergo the scrutiny of the Committee on Appropriations on September 9, 2024.
“Tayo ay matibay na sandigan ng DMW sa Kongreso dahil nakikita natin ang bigat ng kanilang mandato at kanilang pagpupursige na magampanan ito. Subalit, kasama po sa ating paggabay sa kanila ang pagpaparating ng mga suhestyon ng ating mga OFWs upang mas maisaayos pa ang mga programa at proseso.”, saad ni Rep. Magsino.