Palau is fast emerging as a favorite destination among overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Filipinos have just discovered the numerous opportunities that awaits them in this tiny island as many of our countrymen are currently employed in Palau's various industries like hotel and hospitals. The Philippine Ambassador to Palau, Ramoncito Mariño reported that Filipinos make up over one-fourth of the total population of this country.
Aside from the fact that the Micronesian nation is a top tourist destination, companies and establishments in Palau are allowed to allot up to 30% of their workforce to foreign employees. The country also gives competitive salary rates as domestic helpers in Palau receive a minimum wage of $250 per month.
Filipinos in Palau are working as hotel staffs, domestic helpers, medical personnel, fishermen, agriculturists, construction workers, and even as writers and reporters.
However, 90% of overseas Filipino workers in Palau are working without the proper working documents. To guarantee the safety of illegal Filipino workers, the Philippine Embassy in Palau is doing everything to ensure the good working conditions of all OFWs. Ambassador Mariño reported that he makes it a point to settle all labor disputes and address the different problems encountered by Filipinos in Palau. He also informed that the most frequent problems of Filipinos here is delayed or unpaid salaries.
"Whenever these problems crop up, we really make sure that the concerns of our Filipino workers are properly addressed," he said.
Even if the Philippine Embassy here does not have the usual attached agencies such as the Department of Labor, it doesn’t hinder them from carrying out their task and be true to their commitment of serving each and every Filipino in Palau. To make up for the lack of necessary government unit, he coordinates with the Palau Division of Labor to resolve recruitment issues.
The Philippine government is also set to sign a labor pact with Palau. The proposed agreement will not only give protection to OFWS, it will also build good international relationship with Palau.
The agreement will require all Filipino workers who aspire to work in Palau to go through the legal and right process of overseas employment. The documents of illegal Filipino workers are currently being processed by the Philippine Embassy for legalization of their status.
