Blas F. Ople Policy Center & Training Institute

History

The Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute is a non-profit organization that handles labor and migration concerns and develops programs to empower the OFW and his or her family. Named after the late Labor and Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople, the Center is geared towards continuing his legacy of public service.

The Ople Center is headed by Susan “Toots” Ople, the youngest daughter of Ka Blas. Susan has had a long track record in helping distressed OFWs. She served as the chief of staff of the Office of Senator Blas F. Ople and chief of staff of the Department of Foreign Affairs when Ka Blas was its Secretary. Also a writer, she has a weekly column in Panorama Magazine and Tempo. To promote her advocacy, “Ate Toots” co-anchors the popular daily radio show, “Bantay OFW”, from 12:30 pm to 2 pm at DZXL’s Tatak RMN network. She also has a Saturday radio program on DWIZ 882 AM called “Global Pinoy”.

Serving as corporate secretary of the Blas F. Ople Policy Center is Atty. Reynaldo Robles of the ChanRobles & Associates Law Firm. Atty. Robles is himself an OFW advocate, having worked with the 137 bus drivers who were duped into going to Dubai by a group of licensed recruitment agencies. He is also closely associated with the Office of Senator Antonio Trillanes as former chief of staff.

The Center’s executive director is Pio Jose IV, also known as Fort. Fort has an accounting background and used to work under the late Senator Blas F. Ople. He handles the day to day affairs of the Ople Center.

Like all non-profit organizations, the Blas F. Ople Center raises its own funds through sponsorships, donations, and grants. It is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, has existing partnerships with several government and non-government organizations.

Mission

• To act as the bridge between the OFW families and government agencies or other organizations that can help them with their problem
• To inform OFW families and the general public about events, policies, programs and issues related to overseas employment
• To expand economic opportunities for OFW families through skills training and seminars
• To fight human trafficking and illegal recruitment in partnership with government
• To lobby for programs, policies and legislation that would benefit OFW families