PRESS RELEASE
WDC-88-2024
05 November 2024
Embassy Press and Information Section
WASHINGTON D.C. – The Migrant Workers Office (MWO) of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. conducted a virtual Post-Arrival Orientation Seminar (PAOS) on October 19 and 25, 2024 for Filipino Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) and teachers, respectively, who arrived in the United States (US) on H1B visa. Participants in both seminars were oriented on Philippine and United States recruitment regulations, employee rights and obligations, welfare programs of the government and financial management. They were also provided with useful tips on effective integration into the US system.
The October 19 PAOS was attended by 145 MLS, formerly known as medical technologists. It was the second to be conducted this year in partnership with the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET) USA. PAMET-USA National President Gina Ramirez together with other officers Yvonne Cortez, Elma Kamari Bidkorpeh and Mario Caupanan served as resource speakers. They shared valuable information on the realities of working as medical laboratory scientists in the US system as well as on how they can integrate seamlessly in the American way of life.
Meanwhile, the October 25 PAOS was participated in by 97 teachers recruited to work in various public school systems in the country. It was also the second for the year and held on the occasion of World Teachers’ Day, which is commemorated in the month of October every year. Dr. Ingrid Lorelei Jomento-Cruz, Career and Technical Education Program Coordinator of the Prince George’s County Public Schools in Maryland, served as resource speaker on the integration and employment realities in the US educational system. She advised the attendees to understand the culture and learning behavior of American children and encouraged them to join teachers’ unions as their membership in these unions will empower them to exercise their rights.
Aside from highlighting the protective policies of the Philippines and the United States, Labor Attaché Saul de Vries also assured the participants of MWO’s assistance in times of employment difficulties. Welfare Officer Mae Codilla, on the other hand, shared with the attendees the programs and services of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) which they can avail onsite and upon their return to the Philippines. The importance of proper financial management, savings and investment was also stressed during the PAOS. ###