Manila: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has been setting up new offices and appointing labor attach©s to expand global reach and strengthen protection and welfare programs for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). In an interview over a local Filipino program in Hong Kong on Monday, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the DMW, being one of the youngest departments, is literally building its workforce, moving from ‘building the house’ to ‘delivering services’ for OFWs worldwide by establishing new Migrant Workers Offices (MWO) in areas where there are OFWs.
According to Philippines News Agency, Cacdac reported that about 800 new positions have been filled, resulting in a substantially new and stronger workforce. He emphasized the directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to enhance protection, listen to, and solve the problems of the OFWs. Since its establishment, the DMW has opened new MWOs in Vienna, Budapest, and Bangkok, bringing the total to 42, with plans to reach 45 by year-end. The department is currently focused on repatriation and crisis operations, such as the return of Filipinos from Sudan, Myanmar, and the Middle East.
Cacdac also announced plans to build a larger Migrant Workers Shelter in Hong Kong by 2026, which will serve as a resource and training hub. The department is introducing preventive health programs and medical retainers for OFWs facing health challenges. Furthermore, the DMW is collaborating with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and the Commission on Higher Education to train workers for digital, green, and care economy jobs, preparing Filipinos for new job markets.
He urged recruiters to expand opportunities for women beyond domestic work and highlighted the continuation of the OFW Serbisyo Caravan, which brings multiple government services directly to OFWs. Cacdac noted that 15 or 16 government agencies are involved in this initiative, following the President’s orders to ensure that OFWs feel the care and services provided by government agencies.
