Davao: Local government units (LGUs) and partner agencies signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Tuesday to enhance collaboration in promoting the welfare, protection, and empowerment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families. The partnership includes the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

According to Philippines News Agency, the agreement aims to improve the delivery of programs and services that address the social, economic, and developmental needs of OFWs. The collaboration seeks to provide more coordinated support across government and local institutions. DMW-11 Labor Attach© II and Officer-in-Charge Assistant Regional Director Marie Rose Escalada emphasized the significance of the MOA as an action plan to ensure that migrant workers receive adequate protection and support.

The MOA mandates LGUs to establish dedicated OFW Help Desks staffed by trained Public Employment Service Office personnel. These Help Desks will connect workers and their families directly to DMW and OWWA for legal access, repatriation assistance, and immediate crisis response. To bolster defense and education, DMW, OWWA, DOLE, TESDA, and LGUs will conduct Anti-Illegal Recruitment and Trafficking in Persons training, along with Labor Education and Gender-Sensitive orientations.

The agreement also focuses on aligning reintegration programs to help returning workers rebuild their livelihoods. These include DOLE's employment assistance for disadvantaged or displaced workers, OWWA's social benefits and OFW Family Circles, and DMW's reintegration pathways.

TESDA-11 Regional Director Tarhata Mapandi highlighted the importance of technical-vocational education and training, which can enable OFWs and their families to secure sustainable livelihoods. Matanao, Davao del Sur Mayor Irick Agbon expressed optimism about the partnership's potential to uplift OFW families, who significantly contribute to local economies.

Within 30 days, a multi-agency technical working group will be formed to develop a joint work plan, monitor progress, and report accomplishments directly to DMW leadership.