A delegation of Filipino officials visited the Al Hussein Social Center for Orphans on July 30, 2025 to address the welfare of Filipino children in the orphanage whose mothers are either incarcerated or facing legal proceedings related to the completion of marriage documents, which are crucial for the children’s release.
The Philippine Embassy delegation was led by Mme. Geraldine C. Lucero-Santos, and the Migrant Workers’ Office (MWO) in Jordan was represented by Assistant Labor Attaché Jaybee John Vincent Baginda.
Dr. Sana Al-Nuaimat, Director of the Orphanage, and other welfare officers warmly welcomed the visiting officials.
The meeting allowed Embassy and MWO-Jordan representatives to receive updates on the well-being of these Filipino children, commonly referred to as “Filipino minors without formal parental status,” and discuss ongoing efforts to reunite them with their mothers, who are either detained at the Juweidah Women’s Correctional Facility or out on bail, waiting to finalize necessary documentation.
The quarterly visit culminated in a heartfelt interaction, with Embassy and MWO-Jordan officials sharing moments of joy with the children.
In addition, the MWO-Jordan contributed much-needed supplies, including diapers, wet wipes, milk drinks, and toys, all of which were gratefully accepted by the orphanage.
The visit highlighted the ongoing commitment of the Philippine government to support its citizens in distress, especially vulnerable children and families affected by legal complexities.
Government data estimate that over 40,000 Filipinos live in Jordan, a significant portion of whom are overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
While the exact number of OFWs is not specified, the majority of Filipino migrants are employed in the household service sector, with around 73% of them working in domestic roles.
A substantial number of these workers are women, who migrate to Jordan seeking employment opportunities. Many of these female migrant workers are employed under the Kafala system, which has been criticized for creating power imbalances and leaving workers vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.
Charisse F. Malabanan, the Assistance to Nationals (ATN) Officer, along with ATN and Consular Assistant Mariella S. Masiglat-Balla, Welfare Officer Rosalin R. Lavin, translator Laith Omar Al Haj, and Filipino priest Gerald Metal, were also part of the delegation.