“Pasko’y Maligaya, Pamilya’y Sama-Sama is the theme of the 12^th straight year of the grand welcome for vacationing overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). The said event, to be lead by the Overseas Worker Welfare Association (OWWA), will give a strong focus on family.

The 2005 Pamaskong Handog sa Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) will be launched simultaneously on December 16, 2005 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and in other 16 regions in the country. Secretary Patricia A. Sto. Tomas of the Department of Labor and Employment will lead the formal launching through the symbolic unfurling of the welcome banner for OFWs.

Special treatment will be given to the vacationing OFWs and their families starting December 16, 2005 to January 15, 2006. just like in the previous years, hassle-free, prompt and convenient services await them. Other agencies like the NAIA, Bureau of Customs, and others involved in ensuring efficient express lane services for vacationing OFWs during the entire season will be joining DOLE in the said program.

Returning OFWs can avail of essential services such as OWWA welfare enrollment, Phil-Health, Social Security System, and others services at the specials booths including super malls, to be set up in accessible areas.

Also, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration will bring closer its Balik Manggagawa services to the returning OFWs both as they arrive and as they return to their overseas work destinations after their vacation.

On the other hand, with the report done by DOLE, on January 1, 2005 almost 900,000 OFWs have been deployed globally in more than 180 destinations. It just shows a great demand for OFWs in the global arena.

The DOLE said that a total of 875,362 OFWs have been deployed globally as of November 30, 2005, representing a growth of +8,237 compared to 867,125 in the same period in 2004.