Department of Migrant Workers: Duterte’s Parting Gift for OFWs

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their role in society are deeply engrained in every Filipino’s life and history. So many of our countrymen continue to be endeared to the idea of going out of the country. For no other reason but to find better opportunities and greater chances for a higher quality of life.

Enter the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). As OFW numbers continue to remain high, the need to protect them and serve them better also remains strong.

READ: OFW Heroes at the frontlines of COVID-19 battle

Yet, are we doing enough to protect and shield them from the prey of illegal recruiters and abusive employers?

Department of Migrant Workers

Admirably, the Duterte administration devised a new office dedicated to them. For all their immeasurable sacrifices and hard work, OFWs now have a newly-constituted Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). The DMW’s mandate is to supervise all policies safeguarding the welfare of Filipinos working abroad.

On December 30, 2021, President Duterte signed the DMW into law, also known as Republic Act No. 11641. It aims to cater to the needs and security of our modern-day heroes and their families left behind. 

The overview of the proposed programs and undertakings of the DMW is enclosed below: 

Duterte legacy

The DMW, though not yet fully formed, is still a great leap for the national government to strongly uphold the security and safety of OFWs. It is indeed a relief for every OFW and their families to learn that the government has their back as they continue to reach for their dreams.

Though it will never be easy to depart their loved ones and venture into foreign lands, their contribution to our country’s economy remains invaluable. And for their sacrifice, we will be forever grateful.

Thank you, President Duterte. Part of your legacy that will be remembered is your service to our Kababayans.