MANILA, Philippines – Processing of overseas employment certificates (OECs) or exit permits for all vacationing Filipino workers is now made easier through the Global Pinoy Centers set up at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City and SM North Edsa-The Block in Quezon City.

Put up last week by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), the centers cater to so-called “balik-manggagawa” or overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who came home for the holidays.

Administrator Jennifer Jardin-Manalili said the centers manned by POEA officers who will process their exit papers, provided that they come complete with their valid passports, working permits, and other relevant employment documents for verification.

Aside from obtaining OECs, workers may also apply for the renewal of membership with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and PhilHealth.

The Global Pinoy Centers are already processing documents since December 15 and will operate until Jan. 15, 2011.

“We are tapping other venues for processing of workers to decongest the long lines at the POEA Main Office in Ortigas. This is also convenient for workers because this enables them to bring their family to the mall and shop while they themselves process their papers,” Manalili said.

Manalili said OFWs from countries with existing deployment bans such as Afghanistan, Iraq, and Lebanon are advised to process their documents at the POEA Main Office.