MANILA, Philippines – An alliance of Filipino migrant organizations welcomed the new internet-based program of the Department of Labor and Employment but doubts the government's readiness to assist distressed overseas Filipino workers.

DOLE said the Foreign Labor Operations Information System (FLOIS) will soon be implemented to improve the management and operations of 38 Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) abroad and provide assistance to OFWs.

“Sounds like a brilliant idea, but then again this is yet another superficial answer to the woes of Filipinos abroad. This project is worthless as long as the Philippine authorities do not have genuine intent to assist and protect distressed OFWs,” said Garry Martinez, chairperson of Migrante International.

Martinez cited the experience of a Filipina caregiver named Joy Flancia. She was one of the caregivers allegedly harassed by an Arab company last September.

Out of desperation, Flancia said she dialed the number of DOLE Secretary Marianito Roque for help.

“Hindi pa man ako natatapos magsalita ay binulyawan na niya ako at sinabing ‘Bakit ako ang tinatawagan mo? Sino ang nagbigay ng number ko?’ Tapos biglang pinutol na niya ang tawag. We were all disappointed. We were expecting him to be at least courteous,” she said.

Martinez said OFWs sometimes turn to their group when they fail to get help from the government. Last year, Migrante was able to assist 997 individuals. The number does not include individuals who directly went to their chapters abroad for assistance.