MWO-WDC JOINS CONSULAR OUTREACH IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

PRESS RELEASE

WDC-29-2025

5 May 2025

Embassy Press and Information Section

info@phembassy-us.org

The Migrant Workers Office and Overseas Workers Welfare administration in Washington D.C. (MWO-OWWA WDC) joined the Philippine Embassy’s consular outreach mission in Trinidad and Tobago from 2 to 4 May 2025 to provide direct services to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the islands. Around 150 OFWs benefited from MWO-OWWA’s presence as they availed of contract verification, OWWA enrolment and labor consultation services. 

Trinidad and Tobago hosts approximately 600 OFWs who work mostly in healthcare, hospitality, domestic service and construction sectors. They contribute to the economic and multicultural landscape of this two-island Caribbean nation. Many of them have been working and living in the country for decades.

The outreach mission also featured a financial literacy seminar organized by OWWA and conducted by Financial Advisor Rosana Lue Chin, a member of the executive committee of the Filipino Association of Trinidad and Tobago. Representatives of Social Security System, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG Fund and OF Bank also participated in the seminar virtually to inform about their programs and services. 

Forty-six (46) OFWs attended the seminar held at the Cascadia Hotel in Trinidad. In line with OWWA’s 43rd anniversary, Welfare Officer Mae Codilla handed out gifts to some of the participants.

Labor Attaché Saul De Vries said that there were 25 employment contracts verified, and 47 OFWs enrolled in OWWA during the outreach activity. Contract verification ensures that labor standards of both the Philippines and the host country are followed. Membership in OWWA, on the other hand, enables OFWs to avail of the various social benefits provided by the agency. 

The outreach activity was organized in partnership with the Filipino Association of Trinidad and Tobago under the leadership of Dr. Roxanne Tantoco. Mr. Jo Mari Rifareal and Ms. Freya Palad also formed part of the MWO-OWWA Team who joined the outreach program.##