By JOEL D. PINAROC
The Overseas Workers and Welfare Aadministration (OWWA) has partnered with commercial bank RCBC and software firm Microsoft in the roll out of a new, Internet-based service platform expected to benefit Filipinos working abroad.
The service, called "Tele-OFW (Overseas Free Way)" allows workers abroad to communicate, remit money, and send messages anywhere around the globe using a Windows Mobile device, a mobile phone or a PC.
RCBC’s network of more than 200 branches abroad will be used for the service, the OWWA said.
OWWA administrator Marianito Roque claims the new service, which will also be rolled out in other countries where a large concentration of Filipino workers can be found, will help workers substantially reduce the money they spend on long distance calls, and remittance fees.
"Tele-OFW is a service which will allow our overseas workers to reduce costs when staying in touch with their loved ones," Roque said.
The official said the system will also allow the OWWA to disseminate information to users of TeleOFW.
"The system is a good way for the OWWA to send information and content to the millions of workers abroad. But the major goal is to allow workers abroad to communicate more easily with loved ones in the Philippines," Roque said.
Roque said other similar roll outs will soon be cosnducted in Singapore, Hong Kong, the Middle East, and Europe.
There are currently more than 8 million overseas workers, but industry estimates put the number even higher considering that some workers are not "documented."
RCBC president and COO Francisco Magsajo meanwhile added that the bank will be open to ‘financing’ schemes for overseas workers.
"Filipino workers abroad can avail of easy financing agreement in the purchase of a computer or a handset. But you can also avail of a bundled loan, where the PC and handset is already included in the package," Magsajo said.
Depending on the type of PC or handset, a worker can loan a PC and handset package for as low as R50,000, the executive said.
RCBC executives added that workers abroad and beneficiaries who open an RCBC TeleMoney account can request for the Tele-OFW service, which requires a dual-mode Windows Mobile device, and a computer with broadband access.
In the remittance arrangement, the recipient can then withdraw the amount using an ATM.
For its part, Microsoft will provide the solution, called One Follow Me, for the Tele-OFW service.
The solution allows instant messaging, VoIP calling, and online money management, anywhere across the globe, Microsoft executives claim.
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