ZAMBOANGA CITY, February 5, 2016 - The Department of Labor and Employment -Regional Coordinating Committee (DOLE-RCC) in Region IX opened on Friday the doors of the Assist W.E.L.L. (Welfare, Employment, Livelihood, and Legal) Processing Center for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

Dir. Sisinio Cano, Regional Director of DOLE Regional Office No. 9 said that the center is set up to ensure systematic and synchronized delivery of assistance to returning and/or repatriated OFWs and their families especially those from conflict-affected areas.

The center offers a convergence of services for returning OFWs such as Stress Debriefing/Counseling, Local Employment Referral/Placement, Overseas Employment Referral/Placement, Livelihood Assistance, Legal Assistance, Conciliation Services, Competency Assessment and Training Assistance.

These services will be provided by representatives of the DOLE-RCC consisting of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB), Employees Compensation Commission (ECC), Professional Regulations Commission (PRC)and the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB).

The idea is to provide immediate and proper attention to OFWs' needs; to provide and assist them with their preferred services step by step thru concerned personnel at the Center.

Returning OFWs may visit the AWPC at the OWWA-Regional Welfare Office IX Office, 3/F Goodwill Center, Mayor Jaldon Street, Brgy Canelar, Zamboanga City or they may call (062) 991-2785 or (062) 993-0557.

Karen Grafia, OWWA-LCO