In order to further understand the concept, issues and concerns on migration and development (M&D), the Cavite Migration and Development Office thru the the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) initiated the conduct of Migration and Development Orientation and Planning Workshop on April 15, 2019 at the Ceremonial Hall of the Provincial Capitol Building, Trece Martires City catering the Cavite Overseas Filipino Welfare Council members from the provincial government and national line agencies, OFW Organization representatives, DTI’s Negosyo Center staff, PESO Managers and M&D focal persons from the local government units.
Atty. Khervy Reyes, Officer-in-Charge of the Provincial Cooperative Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development Office (PCLEDO) welcomed the participants and communicated the aim to establish 23 functional M&D office or desk in the LGUs to facilitate the integration of M&D plans into their own local development plans. He encouraged the attendees to partake in a fruitful discussion concerning the lined-up topics. Provincial Administrator for Community Affairs Mr. Alvin Mojica gave a backgrounder on the M&D journey of the province from the early legislations up to the creation of the CMDO and its programs. He likewise encouraged the participants to share their ideas and initiatives that will enhance M&D programs and services to address the needs of OFs and their families.
Levelling off activity was facilitated by Ms.Jennylyn Jucutan of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA). NEDA IV-A Regional Director Luis G. Banua led the session on “Migration and Development 101” which focused on understanding the history, patterns and features of international Filipino migration, distinguishing the duality of migration, its social costs and benefits to migrants, their families, communities and country, and appreciating the ways of harnessing the development potential of international migration. Dir. Banua also pointed out that according to the Calabarzon Migration Data, movements of migration growth in the Calabarzon region has increased. Cavite is one of the contributors of the top sending region in terms of migration as reflected by the number of sea farers in the province.
Director Banua also enlightened the attendees on the positive and negative effects of migration on migrants, their families and the community. He also echoed the important LGU roles including the policies, services, multi-stakeholder partnerships and institutional capacity which affected the conditions of migration and development dynamics.
Cavite Governor Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla appreciated the efforts initiated by the PSWDO and NEDA to come up with the orientation and seminar/workshop for the awareness of the status of migration and development in the province. The governor emphasized the idea that migration leads to brain drain and said that it is only temporary since the world has now become united by technology through digital infrastructure. He added that the fiber optic project in the province will be fully operational in the coming days and will address the separation of families since the digital infra will bridge the distance and make communication easier. The governor also said that the provincial government works on strengthening its employment services to give more jobs to Cavitenos. Access on basic services has already been implemented to reach the poor communities.
The session on Mainstreaming Migration and Development in Local Development Planning and Governance was led by Ms. Lovely Morres, OIC-Supervising Economic Development Specialist of NEDA IV-A. Her session concentrated on the assistance that they may provide for the LGU’s in integrating migration and development into their local planning and provide them with a sample menu of services that can be offered for the migrants and their families. Her lecture also showed the services that may be extended to provide pertinent information on international migration, issues of migrants and the national government agencies involved in migration and development initiatives so the LGus could link up with them. The lecture covered essential steps in building local institutional capacities and working towards a multi- sectoral engagement through the 8-step guide in mainstreaming migration and development.
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After the discussion, the planning workshop was facilitated by Ms. Morres and participants were assigned to form groups to identify existing programs if any, the gaps in implementation and future M&D initiatives. Each group presented workshop outputs to the assembly.
The program was facilitated by Ms. Sherryll Loyola, Livelihood Division head of PCLEDO.
PGC’s Medical Mission in Brgy. Calibuyo, Tanza, Cavite