The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) underscored progress in enhancing the protection and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as it awarded calamity assistance fund under the Quick AKSYON Fund on Thursday.
In a news release on Friday, the DMW said Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac presented the agency’s accomplishments, including its achievements in curbing illegal recruitment, extending legal and financial aid to distressed OFWs, and providing expanded welfare and health services to their families.
He said that through the leadership of Undersecretary Bernard Olalia, the number of illegal recruitment agencies shut down by the DMW has tripled this year, from six closed in 2023; 15 in 2024; and 28 firms as of Aug. 1 this year.
“Sang-ayon ba kayo sa lehitimong proseso sa pag-aabroad? Kontra ba tayo sa mga broker at naniningil ng kung anu-ano? Yan ang ayaw ng ating Pangulo, at ayaw na ayaw din ng DMW (Do you agree with the legitimate process for going abroad? Are we against brokers and other firms that charge for so many things? The President does not want that, and DMW does not want that either),” Cacdac said.
Meanwhile, around 71,000 online illegal recruitment sites from different social media platforms were taken down in 2024 as part of the government’s efforts against human trafficking.
DMW data shows that as of Aug. 18, the agency has already provided assistance to 1,259 victims of illegal recruitment and human trafficking from Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia, and were given immediate financial assistance through the DMW AKSYON Fund.
Cacdac also highlighted the DMW’s direct interventions abroad, citing his visits to detained OFWs in Jordan and Japan where he personally delivered financial aid and ensured access to legal representation.
“Tinutulungan sila ng ating mga abogado sa abroad—may mga hina-hire tayong legal experts para sa mga OFWs na may kaso. Binibigyan din sila ng tulong pinansyal para makabili ng mga pangunahing pangangailangan sa loob ng kulungan (Our lawyers abroad are helping them—we hire legal experts for OFWs with cases. They are also given financial assistance to buy basic necessities inside the prison),” he said.
He also pledged support for children of detained migrant workers, particularly minors in Japan, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to secure their future.
Cacdac said the Quick AKSYON Fund was introduced as a safety net for OFWs in crisis situations, providing legal, medical, financial, and humanitarian assistance to those affected by conflict, abuse, or emergencies.
He also highlighted the OFW Hospital in Pampanga, which provides free medical care to OFWs and their dependents.
Cacdac reaffirmed the DMW’s pledge to stand with OFWs and their families.
“Kayo po ang patunay na anuman ang hirap, anuman ang hamon—kakayanin ninyo. Babangon tayong sama-sama. Tayo ay isang pamilya, pinagbuklod ng watawat at ng Diyos. Kahit saan man tayo naroroon, Pilipino ang dugo, ang kulay, ang puso, at ang diwa. Kaya nararapat lamang na kami sa Department of Migrant Workers ay tumulong at magmahal sa inyo (You are proof that no matter the hardship, no matter the challenge—you can do it. We will rise together. We are one family, united by the flag and by God. No matter where we are, our blood, our color, our heart, and our spirit are Filipino. That is why it is only right that we at the Department of Migrant Workers help and support you),” Cacdac said. (PNA)
