E/CN.4/2003/85/Add.4 page 15 by POEA, while repatriation of OFWs is handled by OWWA. The Resource Centre is where Filipinos meet for cultural activities and where they can obtain information and receive training. There are about 30 centres worldwide. They operate under DOLE and should be open 24 hours a day. The Loan Guarantee Fund provides pre-departure and family assistance loans. 47. The Special Rapporteur was informed that the number of resource centres is very small compared with the need and that often they are not open 24 hours a day owing to personnel and resource constraints. The quality of the services provided depends to a great extent on the initiative of the director. 48. The Act provides that “all officers, representatives and personnel of the Philippine Government posted abroad, regardless of their mother agencies, shall, on a per country basis, act as one country team with a mission under the leadership of the Ambassador”. However, the Special Rapporteur was informed that reportedly, coordination between government officials abroad remains weak and inefficient. The urgent need for gender training and sensitization was indicated. The Special Rapporteur was informed by victims that when they phoned the embassy to be rescued from abusive employers, they were simply advised to escape from the house and proceed to the embassy. Also, the Special Rapporteur was told that government personnel often discourage OFWs from filing complaints or legal suits. 49. The Special Rapporteur was informed that OWWA is very slow to act on repatriation requests and that the emergency repatriation fund is still without resources; the government information system is reportedly still not operational. OWWA reportedly has passed its loan and lending programme on to the Land Bank. Pre-departure loans have stopped and family assistance loans are tied to Land Bank requirements. 50. All embassies abroad issue travel advisories and information on labour and employment conditions. This information is published regularly by POEA. However, the Special Rapporteur was informed that the publication does not reach all potential migrant workers, as it is often only in English and not broadcast by regional media. 51. The Act requires the implementation of pre-employment orientation seminars (PEOs). This is done in cooperation with NGOs, civil and religious groups and academic institutions. Reportedly, not even 10 per cent of OFWs attend PEOs, as they are held very infrequently owing to shortages in funding and personnel. 52. Pre-departure orientation seminars (PDOs) are provided by the recruiting agency. However, in practice it is often OFWs who pay the related expenses, including a fee and accommodation and transportation costs. The total number of PDOs held is inadequate. Reportedly, PDOs concentrate on specific countries, to the detriment of OFWs with different destinations. The Special Rapporteur was informed that the content of the seminars is inadequate and outdated and the way topics are handled mainly depends on the body giving the PDO. This is particularly the case with regard to issues such as HIV/AIDS. 53. The Special Rapporteur learned with satisfaction that DSWD, DOLE and other agencies collaborated in the implementation of an “Overseas Comprehensive Social Service Package” providing medical, legal and counselling services in identified countries with large