The creation of the One Repatriation Command Center (ORCC) is a significant step in the DMW’s efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the agency’s efforts in helping overseas Filipino workers return home. The goal of the center is to help facilitate the repatriation of Filipinos who are stranded in other countries.
Despite the increasing number of cases of abuse and exploitation against overseas Filipino workers, the establishment of the ORCC has been regarded as a positive step. However, with its recent establishment, it is still not clear to many what exactly the center does and how it operates. This article aims to provide an overview of the operations of the center.
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What is the Meaning of ORCC?
The acronym ORCC stands for One Repatriation Command Center. It is a government agency that helps facilitate the repatriation of overseas Filipino workers. It also assists in the safe return of family members who have been abused or exploited.
The ORCC will be responsible for overseeing all matters related to the DMW, including the repatriation of overseas Filipino workers. It will also coordinate with other government agencies to help OFWs who are in distress abroad.
Purpose of ORCC
Until recently, there has been no single agency that is responsible for monitoring the return of Filipinos working overseas. This issue is expected to be resolved through the establishment of the One Repatriation Command Center (ORCC). This will serve as a point of contact for Filipinos who are in need of assistance. It will also provide a repository for information about their work status and other issues.
The establishment of the ORCC will help improve the coordination efforts of the various agencies that are involved in the repatriation of Filipinos working overseas. It will also provide a one-stop-shop for Filipinos who are in need of assistance. The goal of the agency is to eventually be self-sufficient, as the DSWD is already burdened with a lot of work related to the issue.
The agency will be responsible for addressing the concerns and needs of overseas Filipino workers and their families. It will also ensure that they are protected from abuse. It will also implement legislation that promotes the well-being of Filipinos working overseas.
Prior to the establishment of the ORCC, many OFWs in the Philippines had to go to various government agencies for assistance. With the help of the agency, they can now get help quickly, which reduces the time needed to get their documents processed.
Functions and Responsibilities of ORCC
The ORCC is the national agency that handles the repatriation of Filipinos working overseas. It should also provide legal aid, medical assistance, and employment opportunities to help returning workers sustain themselves once they return home.
The ORCC is also responsible for ensuring that the well-being of Filipino migrant workers is a vital component of the DMW. It should additionally inform them about the laws and regulations that affect them abroad. In addition, it should help victims of human trafficking and illegal recruitment.
This ensures that Filipino workers are protected from mistreatment and exploitation. The ORCC is also responsible for ensuring that all OFWs are protected from unfair labor practices and wrongful terminations. It should additionally help resolve disputes related to their employment contracts.
List of Programs and Services of ORCC
The organization has yet to provide its long-term services and programs. However, it has already started its activities by establishing a 24-hour hotline that provides overseas Filipino workers and their families with the necessary information and assistance.
The organization aims to provide legal assistance and protection to overseas Filipino workers. It will also help in resolving their disputes with employers, as well as assist them in the process of repatriation.
ORCC Telephone Hotline – 1348
The One Repatriation Center can help overseas Filipino workers’ families. They can call its toll-free helpline at 1348 to get assistance.
Through this hotline, they can get information about repatriation procedures and the status of their relatives. They can also ask for help finding hospitals, lawyers or other resources when needed.
However, the DMW requests that the families of affected OFWs manage their expectations as well since the center can only provide assistance to those who are in need. The DMW also asked the families of OFWs to be patient since they will have to deal with large numbers of calls from relatives and friends of the victims.
ORCC HelpDesk Office Operating Hours
You can also reach out to the agency through its help desk, which is available from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday. The building’s support staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, though the office is closed on weekends.
ORCC 24/7 Hotline – 1348
Email – repat@dmw.gov.ph
You can reach the DMW by calling 1348 or by sending an email to repat@dmw.gov.ph. An agent will be able to answer your call or assist you online.
If you are a Filipino worker who is overseas, you can also contact the POLO-OWWA or the DMW in your country. However, you can still coordinate with the DFA in other countries where there are no labor offices that are associated with the DMW.
Video: DMW Launches “One Repatriation Command Center”
In this video, the Migrant Workers Department introduces a new facility that can accommodate the requests of our kababayans for repatriation.
Toots Ople, the DMW secretary, said that the One Repat-DMW is available for walk-ins and can be reached by phone or email. It will also allow OFWs and their loved ones to provide feedback to the government regarding their concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does the Centralized Command Center assist OFWs?
The Department of Migrant Workers’ One Repatriation Command Center is a centralized hub that will help monitor the repatriation of distressed overseas Filipino employees. It will also coordinate with government agencies and various groups.
2. What is the Importance of the One Repat-DMW?
The DMW will be responsible for coordinating the efforts of various government agencies to help the thousands of Filipinos who want to return home for various reasons.
3. What is a repatriated OFW?
The government provides emergency support to overseas Filipino workers in times of political instability or natural disasters. The OWWA Halfway House provides them with lodging and other services.
4. How does the One Repat-DMW manage repatriation cases?
If an overseas Filipino worker or their family members are having difficulties getting back to their home country, they can contact the One Repat-DMW hotline at 1-348 to get help. Walk-in requests are also accepted.
5. How does the ORCC address the issues of OFWs in distress?
In the past, many OFW families had to rely on various agencies for assistance. With the help of the ORCC, they can get immediate assistance and avoid costly debts. This eliminates the need for them to wait for government agencies to respond.
6. How does the ORCC help repatriate OFWs who are in distress?
The agency will provide support to the families of returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and assist them in finding new jobs. It will also help them with their repatriation.
7. What is the role of the OFW-focused agencies in the repatriation process?
The ORCC, POEA, and DOLE are government entities concerned with assisting OFWs. They provide free assistance with return trip tickets or other travel documents, as well as financial assistance for repatriation fees and job placement overseas if needed.
Summary
The DMW established the One Repatriation Center (One Repat-DMW) to address the myriad challenges that Filipinos working overseas confront. This facility is also intended to aid in the repatriation of individuals in the event of an emergency.
The facility is located on EDSA near Ortigas Avenue in the Blas F. Ople Building. In addition, it has a branch office at OWWA.
The establishment of the One Repatriation Center by the DMW is a good initiative to assist Filipinos working abroad. It will allow them to receive essential assistance right away.
Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. On weekends, its 1348 hotline is also open for enquiries. You can also contact Repat at repat@dmw.gov.ph.
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Contact Information
One Repat Center
Address: 2nd floor of the Blas F. Ople Building, EDSA corner Ortigas Avenue
Operating Hours: Mondays to Fridays 8am to 5pm
Telephone Number: 1348 (available 24/7, even weekends)
Email: repat@dmw.gov.ph
Website: https://dmw.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/dmw.gov.ph