An Online petition Supporting a new OWWA administrator

To President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo

Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
President of the Republic of the Philippines
Malacanang Palace, Manila

Dear President Arroyo,

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is one government agency that has been the center of criticism by the very sector of society that it seeks to serve – the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW).

The appointment of the Honorable Marianito Roque as the new secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment opened the door for the appointment of an OWWA Administrator who knows what is in the mind and can feel what is in the heart of OFW, like him.

Yes Madam President, it is high time that someone from among the OFW community leaders be appointed to the post of OWWA Administrator; one who understands by heart the every day problems faced by our overseas workers inside and outside their jobsites, and during and after the tenure of their work contracts; one who has been in the field, and has seen and attended to many OFW cases that were brought to his attention as a trusted community leader.

With those in mind we, the undersigned Overseas Filipinos together with our families and friends, respectfully recommend for your consideration, Madam President, the appointment of Dr. Carlito L. Astillero to the post of OWWA Administrator.

Dr. Astillero has been an overseas worker, serving in various medical positions in three Middle East countries from 1976 up till now. Within those 32 years as an OFW, Dr. Astillero has been an active community leader, serving either as founder or head of various organizations engaged in sports, economic, social, and welfare activities. He is also one of those who worked hard for the passage of the Overseas Absentee Voting Law.

In recognition of his contributions to the welfare of the OFW community, Dr. Astillero has been given the “Most Outstanding Filipino in Saudi Arabia” award by the Philippine Embassy in 1990, the “Bagong Bayani Award” by President Corazon Aquino in 1992, the “San Lorenzo Ruiz Award as Outstanding OCW” by President Fidel V. Ramos in 1994, and the Special Presidential “Banaag and Sikat Award” also by President Fidel V. Ramos in 1996, among other prestigious awards given to OFW in recognition of their services to the overseas Filipino communities

We are confident that once appointed Administrator, Dr. Carlito Astillero will provide the missing link between OWWA and its member-OFW.

For once, please do not take our fervent appeal for granted. For once, hearken to our prayers, we the 11 Million Filipinos in Diaspora.

For once, be on the side of history instead of being influenced by the ordinary processes of political quid pro quos.

We pray that you heed our most fervent appeal, Your Excellency.

Sincerely,