VP NOLI PUSHES FOR STRESS MANAGEMENT TRAINING FOR OFWs
August 31, 2008

Vice President and Presidential Adviser on Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) Noli 'Kabayan' De Castro is endorsing Stress Management Training for OFWs to enable them to better cope with possible challenges and adversity they may face while working abroad.

De Castro's endorsement for the training came following a proposal of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to require mandatory psychiatric test for workers seeking employment abroad.

"Workers applying for work abroad should first gain skills and learn techniques on stress management considering the peculiar socio-cultural setting in the country they will be working in," De Castro said.

The Vice President said that the program should be given for free and incorporated in the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) and any expense should be shouldered by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). He stressed that no additional economic burden will be imposed on OFWs.

De Castro further proposed that the coverage be limited to those domestic helpers and caregivers whose workplace is in particular households. "Because unlike those working in medical centers, domestic helpers and caregivers employed in residences are often alone in handling difficult situation," De Castro explained.

De Castro noted that the present psychological test required for OFWs is not a sufficient measure to guard against untoward incidents. As in the case of Marilou Ranario whose defense in a murder case was to plead insanity, severe work conditions and maltreatment inevitably place OFWs in situations that provoke them to commit even criminal acts.

"When they leave the country, they are psychologically and mentally healthy. However, stress brought about by maltreatment in the work place subsequently affects their mental condition," De Castro said.

"Stress is a common thing in life but there are ways of coping with adversity that will help our workers handle problems with employers and adjust to different situations that they may encounter abroad," he added.

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