ILOILO PROVINCE – To formalize the partnership between the Provincial PESO and non-government organization ATIKHA, Inc. in implementing joint and convergent programs, projects, and services on migration and development for Ilonggo overseas Filipinos and their families, an omnibus memorandum of agreement will be signed between the two parties.

PESO Chief Francisco T. Heler, Jr. believed that it is the mutual aim of PESO and Atikha to create an enabling environment for the overseas Filipinos, particularly the Overseas Filipino Workers and their families.

“We have been partners with Atikha for several years in pushing forward programs and services for OFWs,” said Heler. PESO committed to facilitate the organization of multi-stakeholder provincial committee on migration and development, which was strengthened by the executive order of Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr. issued in January.

Further, it shall organize OFW organization, promote safe and legitimate overseas migration, facilitate capacity building activities for OFWs, and assist Atikha in promoting investment and business opportunities for OFWs and implementing school-based programs for their children.

Meanwhile, Atikha shall develop training modules and capacitate various migration stakeholders, co-organize OFWs in the province of Iloilo, produce information materials, and share with PESO the best practices of other LGUs with regard to programs for OFWs.

The Province of Iloilo has the largest number of Overseas Filipinos in Western Visayas which brings in remittances amounting to P23 Billion annually.