POEA Administrator Hans Cacdac's 7-point Agenda

1. Streamline OFW documentation and processing systems to provide smoother and more efficient delivery of services to OFWs. We shall regain public confidence in our systems, starting with restoration of the POEA's ISO certification.

2. Strengthen enforcement of anti-illegal recruitment laws and licensed recruitment regulations. We shall implement RA 10022, which heightened the POEA's role in the fight against illegal recruiters. Also, we shall significantly improve the POEA adjudication record in case disposition.

3. Ensure transparency and accountability in the development of policies and regulations. This means institutionalized consultative mechanisms involving stakeholders in the land-based and sea-based sectors.

New POEA chief eyes online OEC processing for OFWs

Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) may soon be able to secure their overseas employment certificate (OEC) online or at a nearby shopping mall. Newly installed Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) chief Hans Cacdac is proposing to allow online processing of the OECs, as part of his plan to improve agency's services.

"We're thinking of doing online processing (for OECs). But we have to make sure the system is huge enough to handle it," Cacdac said in an interview with abs-cbnNEWS.com on Thursday.

At present, new hires and returning OFWs have to secure their OEC or travel exit clearance from the POEA. Many OFWs have complained of long lines and slow processing of documents at the POEA, especially during the peak holiday season. OFWs are required to secure an OEC before they are allowed to leave the country.

New POEA chief assumes post

As quietly as he was appointed, new Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) chief Hans Cacdac officially assumed the post yesterday.

Malacañang had confirmed that POEA administrator Carlos Cao Jr. had been replaced, but referred to Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz the task of explaining why he was given the boot.

Cacdac took over the post after a simple turnover ceremony attended by POEA directors and several senior Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) officials.

Baldoz and Cao both did not attend the event.

As head of POEA, Cacdac said he would work with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for the forging of new bilateral agreements that would open new opportunities and provide protection for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).