The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is a newly established executive agency of the Philippine government that is dedicated to safeguarding and advancing the rights and well-being of Filipino migrant workers and their loved ones. The DMW has taken over the responsibilities of nine (9) government offices that previously handled overseas labor and employment concerns.
With its consolidated efforts, the DMW aims to provide comprehensive support and protection to Filipino migrant workers, ensuring that they are treated fairly and with dignity in their places of work abroad.
History
- The DMW was created through Republic Act 11641, also known as the “Department of Migrant Workers Act,” which was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on December 30, 2021.
- The establishment of the DMW was based on previous bills that aimed to create a department specifically for overseas Filipinos.
- The DMW is a new executive agency of the Philippine government that aims to protect and promote the welfare of Filipino migrant workers and their families.
- The department consolidates and takes over the functions of nine existing government offices that deal with overseas labor and employment matters. These include the following:
- Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)
- Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)
- National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO)
- International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
- National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP)
- Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs), which were under DOLE
- All Philippine Overseas Labor Attachés (Labor Attachés)
- Office of the Social Welfare Attaché (OSWA)
- Secretariat of the Congressional Oversight Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs (COCOWA) and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) related to OFW affairs.
- By consolidating these functions, the DMW aims to streamline the government’s efforts in addressing the needs and concerns of Filipino migrant workers. This includes providing assistance in securing employment overseas, ensuring their welfare and protection while working abroad, and facilitating their reintegration into Philippine society upon their return.
- The DMW’s consolidation of these functions also aims to eliminate redundancies and overlaps in the government’s services for overseas Filipinos, making it easier for them to access the support they need. With the DMW’s establishment, Filipino migrant workers can expect a more efficient and effective government response to their concerns and needs, ensuring that their rights and welfare are upheld and protected.
- Despite being established by law, the DMW is still under constitution and review as it awaits its budget and implementing rules and regulations.
- The DMW’s creation is a significant step towards providing comprehensive support and protection to Filipino migrant workers, who have long been vulnerable to exploitation and abuse in their places of work abroad.
- The department’s establishment reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that the rights and welfare of overseas Filipinos are upheld and protected and that they are given the support they need to thrive in their chosen careers overseas.
- The DMW’s success will depend on its ability to effectively implement its mandate and provide the necessary services and support to Filipino migrant workers and their families.
DMW Functions
- Overseas recruitment, deployment, labor, and repatriation: The DMW is responsible for facilitating and managing the overseas employment process of Filipino workers, from pre-employment to post-employment. It also ensures the protection and promotion of their rights and welfare and assists them in case of abuse, violation, or emergency. It also coordinates with the host countries and other agencies for the repatriation of OFWs who are displaced, terminated, or deceased.
- Training, welfare, and benefit programs: The DMW provides various programs and services for the development and well-being of OFWs and their families. These include skills training, language and culture orientation, financial literacy, social security, health and insurance benefits, legal assistance, and psychosocial counseling. It also administers the Overseas Workers Welfare Fund, which provides assistance and benefits to OFWs and their dependents.
- Reintegration programs and services: The DMW helps OFWs who return to the country to reintegrate into the society and economy. It offers livelihood and entrepreneurship opportunities, career guidance, job placement, and referral services. It also supports the education, health, and social needs of OFWs and their families.
- Policy and international cooperation: The DMW formulates and implements policies and programs that aim to improve the overseas labor and employment sector. It also engages in bilateral and multilateral cooperation with other countries and international organizations to promote the interests and welfare of OFWs. It also conducts research and studies on overseas labor and employment issues and trends.
Services Provided by the DMW
- Recruitment and Deployment: The department ensures that Filipino migrant workers are recruited and deployed overseas in a safe and legal manner and that they are protected from exploitation and abuse while working abroad.
- Repatriation: The DMW plays a crucial role in facilitating the repatriation of Filipino migrant workers who have been displaced or have encountered problems in their places of work.
- Labor Assistance: The DMW provides training, welfare, benefits, and reintegration programs and services for overseas Filipino workers and their qualified dependents.
- These programs and services are designed to help Filipino migrant workers and their families cope with the challenges of working and living abroad and to ensure that they are able to reintegrate into Philippine society upon their return.
- The DMW also coordinates with the Bangsamoro Ministry of Labor and Employment on matters related to overseas Bangsamoro workers.
- This partnership is crucial in ensuring that the rights and welfare of Bangsamoro workers are protected and upheld and that they are given the support they need to thrive in their chosen careers overseas.
- The DMW’s functions and services are essential in ensuring that Filipino migrant workers are able to work and live abroad with dignity and respect and that they are given the support they need to succeed in their chosen careers.
- The department’s establishment is a significant step towards providing comprehensive support and protection to Filipino migrant workers and reflects the government’s commitment to upholding their rights and welfare.
DMW Officials
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has appointed officials for its various offices and bureaus. These officials are responsible for overseeing the department’s functions and services, and ensuring that they are carried out effectively and efficiently.
At the helm of the DMW is Secretary Bernard P. Olalia, who was formerly the administrator of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). Secretary Olalia brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise in overseas labor and employment matters and is committed to upholding the rights and welfare of Filipino migrant workers.
In addition to Secretary Olalia, the DMW has seven undersecretaries and eight assistant secretaries for its different functions and services. These officials are responsible for overseeing the department’s various programs and initiatives, and ensuring that they are implemented in a timely and effective manner.
Video: Full cycle reintegration program ng DMW para sa returning OFWs | Newsroom Ngayon
In a recent initiative championed by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are being welcomed with renewed hope and opportunities to rebuild their lives. The program, aptly named “Bagong Buhay, Bagong Pag-asa” (New Life, New Hope), focuses on providing these individuals with the necessary support to ensure their successful reintegration into Philippine society.
The DMW has established a framework that aids in job placement, offers entrepreneurial guidance, and conducts financial management workshops. The department’s efforts are directed at equipping OFWs with the skills and knowledge required to achieve financial independence and secure a stable future.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW)?
The DMW is a governmental body in the Philippines established to specifically address the needs and concerns of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families.
2. Why was the DMW created?
The DMW was formed to centralize and streamline the functions of several agencies dealing with overseas employment to provide more efficient services and support to OFWs.
3. Which government offices’ functions have been consolidated into the DMW?
The DMW consolidates the functions of nine government offices, including the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), among others.
4. What services does the DMW provide?
The DMW provides a range of services such as processing overseas employment certificates, handling workers’ welfare cases abroad, offering legal assistance, facilitating reintegration programs, and managing training and benefit programs for OFWs and their dependents.
5. How can OFWs access the services provided by the DMW?
OFWs can access DMW services through their website, via hotline numbers, or by visiting their regional offices and Philippine embassies and consulates abroad.
6. Does the DMW offer reintegration programs for returning OFWs?
Yes, the DMW offers reintegration programs that include livelihood training, financial literacy workshops, and job placement assistance for OFWs returning to the Philippines.
7. What kind of assistance can OFWs expect from the DMW if they encounter problems abroad?
The DMW can provide legal assistance, rescue and repatriation services, and coordinate with foreign governments and international bodies to address the concerns of OFWs.
8. Can the DMW assist in the deployment of OFWs?
Yes, the DMW, through the POEA, is responsible for ensuring that the deployment of OFWs is in accordance with the law and that their employment is secured and their rights are protected. They oversee the recruitment process and the accreditation of foreign employers as well.
Summary
In conclusion, the establishment of the Department of Migrant Workers marks a significant stride forward in the Philippine government’s commitment to the millions of its citizens working overseas. By combining the functions of nine prior entities, the DMW sets a new standard for streamlined and efficient service delivery, ensuring that Filipino migrant workers receive the comprehensive support and advocacy they deserve.
This unified approach underscores the government’s recognition of the critical role these workers play in both the national and global economy and their entitlement to work in conditions that respect their rights and dignity. As the DMW continues to evolve, it has become a source of strength for Filipino migrants and their families, embodying the nation’s dedication to their welfare wherever they may be in the world.
Contact Information
Address: Blas F. Ople Building, Ortigas Ave., Cor. EDSA Ave., Mandaluyong City
Telephone numbers: +632 8722-1144, +632 8722-1155
Website: https://www.dmw.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/dmw.gov.ph/