Senator Urges Enhanced Safeguards for OFWs After Fatal Incident in Kuwait

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has called for more robust safety measures for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) following the tragic death of Jenny Alvarado in Kuwait, attributed to coal suffocation. On January 15, 2025, the senator expressed his deep sympathies to Alvarado’s family and stressed the necessity for swift action to avert future tragedies. Gatchalian pointed out that the incident underscores the critical need to tackle workplace dangers that OFWs encounter abroad. He has requested the Department of Foreign Affairs to step up its oversight of foreign employers and to ensure compliance with bilateral agreements aimed at protecting OFWs. Additionally, he urged the Department of Migrant Workers to focus on providing training and education to help workers recognize and steer clear of workplace risks. Gatchalian emphasized the importance of OFWs to their families and the national economy, advocating for stronger protections to prevent accidents and deaths.