Phnom penh: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is set to open a Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Cambodia, following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to boost protection for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) amid a surge in scam hubs. The dedicated office is expected to serve around 10,000 Filipinos living and working in the host country.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DMW announced in a news release that it will comply with the President’s directive to establish the office through full coordination with Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Tess Lazaro and Ambassador Flerida Mayo. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac stated that the office would provide legal aid, welfare services, reintegration programs, and skills training to OFWs in Cambodia. The new MWO will be the DMW’s 43rd worldwide, as the department continues to expand its presence in countries with a significant number of OFWs, in line with its mandate to safeguard and uplift their lives under the Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines) agenda.

Philippine Ambassador to Cambodia Flerida Ann Camille Mayo highlighted the significant increase in scam hub cases this year involving Filipinos. In August alone, the Philippine government rescued at least 24 victims of scam hubs in Cambodia. On Sunday, President Marcos met with more than 500 members of the Filipino community in Phnom Penh, as part of his three-day state visit to Cambodia. He emphasized the importance of opening the MWO in Phnom Penh to assist the embassy in advancing the rights and welfare of OFWs.

During the meeting, President Marcos underscored the contributions of overseas Filipinos to the development of Cambodia, noting their work in schools, hospitals, businesses, and infrastructure. He also recognized their role in strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between the Philippines and Cambodia.