Mandaluyong City: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the protection and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as it commemorates the 30th anniversary of Republic Act (RA) 8042, also known as the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995.

According to Philippines News Agency, in an interview during the kick-off ceremony of the celebration on Monday at the DMW office in Mandaluyong City, DMW Undersecretary Bernard Olalia cited the significance of the law as a cornerstone in safeguarding the rights and well-being of OFWs. He emphasized the law’s role as a framework for the protection of OFWs, recognizing every life, sacrifice, and hardship they endure.

Olalia highlighted how the law laid the foundation for the government’s structured and unified approach in responding to OFW concerns. He noted that before RA 8042, there was no single framework guiding the government in addressing problems faced by OFWs abroad. Now, there is a one-country team approach ensuring the government’s readiness to rescue, repatriate, and reintegrate OFWs.

Amidst the controversy in the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Olalia assured that the DMW is conducting a thorough internal investigation to determine accountability and whether proper procedures, such as Board approval, were followed. He mentioned the collection of important documents to identify who gave orders and who holds responsibility regarding the land purchase issues that bypassed the OWWA Board of Trustees.

Olalia added that President Marcos has directed the new OWWA administrator to uphold integrity within the agency, stressing that service to OFWs must continue even as officials undergo scrutiny following their courtesy resignations.