The CLSU through its University Gender and Development Office (UGADO) and Office of Student Affairs (OSA) led a 2-day conference with the members of the OFW Family Circle Federation of Nueva Ecija (OFCFNE) last May 16-17, 2024.
The conference with the theme ‘CLSU Kaagapay ng mga Novo Ecijanong OFW sa Buhay, Espasyo, Sarili at Tunguhin,’ provided several lectures on mental health, unequal opportunities, financial illiteracy, insufficient business knowledge, and discrimination.
During the first day, common issues and concerns faced by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were addressed. The Executive Director of the Center for Migrant Advocacy, Ellene A. Sana, gave a lecture on "Transforming the Narrative: Discrimination in the OFW Sector," while Prof. Janet O. Saturno, Director of the UGADO, discussed "Breaking Gender Barriers: Challenges Faced by OFWs."
On the second day, OFWs gained insights and knowledge about business and livelihood opportunities from Dr. Carolyn P. Gonzales-Marzan, from the College of Business and Accountancy, who presented on "Exploring Opportunities: Turning Overseas Filipino Workers into Overseas Filipino Investors." Dr. Irene G. Bustos, Dean of the Office of Student Affairs, led the discussion on "Seeking Balance: Life of an OFW Family," addressing mental health issues.
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Regional Welfare Office 3 (OWWA RWO 3) Regional Director Ma. Lourdes V. Reyes, expressed her immense pleasure and pride in witnessing the growth of the Federation and its new partnership and collaboration with CLSU, which will surely benefit the OFWs and their families.
The conference was also attended by the Nueva Ecija Provincial PESO and the CLSU President Evaristo A. Abella represented by Vice Karenina B. Romualdo, Vice President for Business Affairs.
