Senator Urges Enhanced Safeguards for Filipino Workers Abroad After Kuwait Incident

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has called for more robust safety measures for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the wake of a tragic incident in Kuwait, where Jenny Alvarado lost her life due to coal suffocation. Gatchalian expressed his deep sympathies to Alvarado’s family and stressed the necessity for swift action to prevent future tragedies. He highlighted the critical need to tackle workplace dangers that OFWs encounter in their host countries. The senator has requested that the Department of Foreign Affairs step up its oversight of foreign employers and ensure the enforcement of bilateral agreements designed to protect 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.