The SOS-SMS service started out in 2006 with the objective of serving the distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Today it has given way to new partnerships, linking assistance seekers with assistant providers and even tying up technology with the work for human rights.
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The Manila-based Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA) which is the coordinating center for the helpline has played a big part in this success story. What started off as a loose network of individual OFWs in Saudi Arabia is now a boon for millions of OFWs. Not only does it serve the OFWs in distress it also connects them to the network of OFWs who wish to offer their help to the distressed OFWs. The service has helped several OFWs facing inhuman atrocities in foreign lands and has played a big part in their deportation. Thanks to this a number of embassies have also come to accept the role of the service in recent times. The project has also become a venue for partnership with individuals in the IT sector in making innovations in harnessing technology for the advancement human rights work. Through partnerships with media the service is going places and is expected to emerge as a winner in other parts of the world as well.
Tags: CMA, OFW, Remit2Home, Remittance, SOS-SMS
