In the interest of the service and pursuant to Chapter III, sections 17 and 18 of Republic Act No. 8042 otherwise known as the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995, and Chapter XVII, Sections 66-170 of its Implementing Rules and Regulations, a Re-placement and Monitoring Center (RPM Center) for Filipino migrant workers is hereby created which shall provide a mechanism for their reintegration into the Philippine Society, serve as a promotion house for their local employment, tap their skills and potentials for national development and provide support to related programs in the Filipino Resource Centers.

Specifically, the RPM Center shall provide the following services:

1.  Develop livelihood programs and projects for returning Filipino migrant workers in coordination with the private sector;

2.  Coordinate with appropriate private and government agencies in the promotion, development, re-placement and the full utilization of the potentials of returning migrant workers;

3.  Institute, in cooperation with other government agencies concerned, a computer-based information system on skilled Filipino migrant workers which shall be accessible to all local recruitment agencies and employers both public and private;

4.  Provide a periodic study and assessment of job opportunities for returning Filipino migrant workers;

5.  Develop and implement other appropriate programs to promote the welfare of returning Filipino migrant workers; and

6.  In coordination with DOST, provide incentives for professional and other highly skilled Filipinos abroad, especially in the field of science and technology, to participate in and contribute to national development.

Considering that the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is involved in reintegration concerns of OFWs and with program components already in place, it is deemed beneficial and practicable that the RPM Center be lodged at the said agency. A Program Manager shall head the Center and shall be designated by the Secretary of Labor and Employment. A Secretariat shall likewise be formed to be composed of technical personnel not lower than a Senior LEO or its equivalent from, but not limited to, BLE, POEA, TESDA and OWWA. The Secretariat shall immediately convene in order to finalize the operational guidelines of the RPM Center.

The RPM Center shall be under the supervision and administrative control of DOLE and shall be housed at the OWWA Center, Pasay City.

Funds necessary for the initial operation of the RPM Center shall come from OWWA, being one of the participating agencies. Funds for the continued operation of the Center shall come from the GAA and shall eventually be integrated into the annual budget of DOLE. Thereupon, the structure of the Center may be reviewed and adjusted if necessary.

This order shall take effect immediately.

Adopted: 9 Nov. 1998

(SGD.) BIENVENIDO E. LAGUESMA
Secretary