The city also launched Monday (May 2) the Center's hotline number, mobile and telephone numbers, and official website.
Lawyer Marlisa Gallo, the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) in a report from City Information Office (CIO) said that the center is the offshoot of City Ordinance No. 0411-20 Series of 2020 which institutionalized the creation of a center that will focus on the protection of rights, interests, welfare, and development of the families of the Dabawenyos who left abroad for work.
According to Gallo, her office has already received messages from seven clients - three OFWs and four families of OFWs even before the establishment of the OFW crisis center.
“The clients that we monitored are those who came to our office and talked with the social workers. Last week we already had seven. They are prioritized by our social workers because they really contacted our office,” Gallo said.
Gallo further said the center to be manned by five personnel will coordinate with various offices, monitoring, and providing direct services to families.
The center will also give services including financial assistance, livelihood assistance, rescue, and psychosocial intervention depending on the assessed needs of the concerned families.
Currently, the center is conducting the profiling of OFWs based on the records obtained from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Gallo said her office also plans to discuss with other agencies catering to OFWs to avoid duplicity of pre-existing modes of assistance.
“We are hopeful that we can sit with our partners to properly lay down the services of our office,” she said.
Those OFWs who want to raise their concerns may reach the center through 0999 994 3577, or through their landline number (082) 225 6214, email ofwcenter.davaocity@gmail.com, or message their official Facebook Page: OFW Families' Welfare and Crisis Center Davao City.
Photo from Davao City Government