Dubai, UAE, November 30, 2024 — The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Makati Chapter, in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai, the Migrant Workers Office Dubai, and the Filipino Social Club (FilSoc), successfully held a Free Legal Consultation for Filipino Overseas Workers (OFWs) last Saturday at the Luzon Hall, Migrant Workers Office, Dubai.
The event, which ran from 9:00 AM to 12:00 NN, offered OFWs direct access to expert legal advice on Philippine laws, addressing concerns related to family law, labor rights, property disputes, and other pressing issues. Over 40 attendees participated in one-on-one consultations with volunteer IBP Makati Chapter lawyers, who traveled from the Philippines to bring their expertise to the Filipino community in Dubai.
Atty. Stanley Mari B. Fabito, President of the IBP Makati Chapter, highlighted the broader vision of this initiative: “It was our honor to serve the Filipino community here in Dubai. Not everyone has the financial means or easy access to legal advice on concerns and cases regarding Philippine laws. IBP Makati Chapter’s outreach program aims to help our kababayans in need as part of our social responsibility.”
This year, the IBP Makati Chapter launched this project in Hong Kong and has now brought its free services to Dubai.
“With our goal of making this an annual event and expanding to other countries with large OFW communities, this is part of our commitment to ensuring that every Filipino has access to the legal guidance they deserve.” Atty. Fabito added.
Labor Attaché Atty. John Rio Bautista of the Migrant Workers Office Dubai has praised the efforts of the IBP Makati Chapter, stating: “We deeply appreciate the IBP Makati Chapter’s initiative for OFWs. Events like these provide clarity and guidance to our kababayans who often face challenges navigating (Philippine) legal systems.”
Beneficiaries of the service expressed gratitude for the program’s accessibility and relevance. One attendee, Ms. Rose, shared: ” This consultation answered questions I’ve been struggling with for years. I’m thankful for this chance and I hope more events like this happen in the future.”
The fruitful event marks another milestone as a first of its kind within the Filipino community in Dubai. With plans for continued outreach, the IBP Makati Chapter and its partners remain committed to serving Filipinos worldwide.
“Today’s event shows what we can achieve when we work together to support our kababayans. We’re thankful to see our fellow OFWs equipped with legal knowledge and solutions to their challenges. And we hope to have more future collaborations like this with other groups from the Philippines.” said Mr. Ericson Reyes, President of the Filipino Social Club on the joint effort.
Further to today’s event, the IBP Makati Chapter, in collaboration with the Migrant Workers Office, plans to establish an online referral system to assist OFWs in need of legal advice on Philippine cases. This platform will also guide users to institutions or offices that can better provide tailored assistance.
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