SAN PABLO CITY – The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) in coordination with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administrative (POEA) and the city government of San Pablo recently conducted a community education program before city government officials, students and SK chairmen here at the City Hall’s multi-purpose covered court and the Laguna State Polytechnic University (San Pablo Campus) before its faculty and students.

     The yearly interagency community education and information campaign, presided over Mr. Michael A. Apattad, Migrant Integration and Education Division Officer; Ms. Marita L. del Rosario, Senior Emigrant Services Officer: Mr. Tristan E. de Guzman. Migrant Integration and Education Division officer – NAIA Desk, seeks to assist prospective migrants in making informed decisions regarding settlement abroad, as well as to generate community involvement in migration concerns.

     It also aims to raise public awareness in various issues concerning migration, intermarriage and existing government policies and programs directed against illegal recruitment, documentation fraud and human trafficking among others.

     Ms. Day Siwa, POEA representative discussed matters pertaining overseas job application, documentation and the “don’ts” when applying for work abroad.

     Based on CFO statistics, San Pablo City is the second highest in migration rate in Laguna next to San Pedro.

     The week-long activity covers San Pablo City (Feb. 18); San Pedro, Laguna (Feb. 19); Tanauan, Batangas (Feb. 20); Lipa City, Batangas (Feb.21); Lipa City and Batangas City (Feb. 22); and Batangas City (Feb. 23).

     Source: Bayanihan, March 3-9 2008