A GROUP is eyeing to roll out a digital platform aimed at protecting Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from recruitment fraud.
Pauline Ferrero, consultant and spokesperson for Tarakabayan, said the initiative centers on the digitization of the OFW recruitment process, covering the pre-deployment and post-deployment stages to ensure transparency at every step.
“TaraKabayan is geared toward international recruitment for OFWs so that we can try to limit illegal recruitment and allow our aspiring OFWs to have a transparent process from the moment they click job placements international jobs up to the time that they get deployed and even post-deployment,” Ferrero said during the iSpeak media forum on July 16.
The group is developing a mobile application to serve as an accessible, one-stop tool for aspiring and current OFWs.
Ferrero warned of illegal recruitment schemes, citing as a red flag arrangements where a supposed direct employer relies on an unauthorized mediator who simply contacts applicants through messaging platforms.
“Fraud is becoming techie; scammers are exploiting digital platforms to prey on aspiring workers,” she said.
Ferrero said OFWs can utilize the app to get support in terms of questions on passports or reach out to authorities if they experience issues with their employer and employment situation.
The app is proposed to be rolled out in partnership with local government units (LGUs), which will be designed to function as an ecosystem linking government agencies with jobseekers and allowing users to browse accredited agencies and job postings.
“We provide transparency so that when there are issues with employers, there is a proper platform accessible for both local government, employers, and recruiting agencies and the families of the OFWs,” she said.
Ferrero said the project began as a pilot in Davao City and has since been adopted as a proposed ordinance now up for first reading before the city council.
She expressed hope that the measure would be fast-tracked, referring to the legal backing the ordinance would give the platform’s enforcement.
Beyond Davao City, the initiative is also set to be introduced in Sultan Kudarat and Kidapawan City.
Ferrero noted that the platform is being supported as a corporate social responsibility (CSR) project by one of the recruitment agencies involved, which she said wants to help reduce fraud and instill proper discipline among industry players.
She added that the group is pushing for direct tracing mechanisms and a cap on placement fees to further safeguard applicants.
To coincide with the campaign, Tarakabayan is holding a job fair from July 29 to 31 at SM Ecoland, featuring legitimate recruiters accredited by the Department of Migrant Workers, the Public Employment Service Office, and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.
