Question & AnswerQ&A (OWWA MEMORANDUM OF INSTRUCTIONS NO. 005, S. OF 2009)
The memorandum is titled OWWA Memorandum of Instructions No. 005, Series of 2009, issued on March 18, 2009, providing implementing guidelines for the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) for Canada-bound workers.
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is responsible for conducting and managing the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) for Filipino workers going to Canada on employment visa.
All Filipino professionals, technical, and skilled workers leaving for Canada on employment visa are covered under the PDOS.
The purpose is to prepare Filipino professionals and skilled workers for smooth integration into Canadian society by helping them understand Canadian culture and adjust to local communities with less difficulty.
The PDOS is a one-day seminar.
The PDOS includes the following topics: migration realities, country/province specific orientation, work contract terms and conditions, health and safety, travel tips and procedures, finance management, and government services.
Recruitment agencies must refer their Canada-bound workers to OWWA for PDOS at least two weeks before deployment. OWWA will provide the PDOS schedule to the agency within two days of receiving the list.
Named hires are referred by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) to OWWA for attendance to the PDOS.
All issuances inconsistent with this memorandum are hereby repealed.
The memorandum took effect immediately upon issuance on March 18, 2009.