Migrant and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), most of them based in Italy, availed of government services through “Bagong Bayani ng Mundo – OFW Serbisyo Caravan” held in Rome on Oct. 12.
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos visited the government booths providing services to Filipino workers at Spazio Atlantico after attending the Jubilee Mass celebrated by His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle.
Marcos also tried some of the food at the booths of members of the Philippine Chambers of Commerce in Italy.
Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) chief Patricia Yvonne Caunan, and Philippine Ambassador to Italy Neal Imperial joined the First Lady.
Cacdac took the opportunity to talk and listen to the grievances of the OFWs during the caravan, which was held in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to bring government services closer to Filipinos abroad.
He said the activity showed the government’s continued concern and dedication “to the welfare of new heroes abroad.”
Caunan lauded the Filipino organizations in Italy for their bayanihan (communal cooperation) spirit and volunteerism, emphasizing that their unity mirrors the strength and compassion of the global Filipino community.
Aside from government services, the Filipino workers were also entertained by the popular Filipino boy band SB19.
The group’s appearance turned the caravan into a memorable experience, as OFWs sang and danced along, celebrating their Filipino pride in the heart of Rome.
Local Filipino talents in Italy, including Maricel Calimlim, SPYM Band, Pinoy Teens Hermes, Gabriel Sarmiento and Armand Curaming, also performed during the program, showcasing the creativity and artistry of the Filipino diaspora.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Tourism, and Social Security System also offered on-site assistance.
Services included OWWA membership enrollment and renewal, passport processing, welfare consultations, and free health checks, ensuring that essential support was brought directly to the Filipino community in Italy. (PNA)