CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Central Luzon assured overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families of continued government support amid the ongoing tension in the Middle East.
DMW 3 Assistant Regional Director Dennis Manzanero said the agency is closely coordinating with Migrant Workers Offices (MWOs) and Philippine embassies to ensure the safety and repatriation of affected OFWs.
“The government continues to work hard to protect our OFWs and ensure their well-being despite the situation in the Middle East,” he said.
The director added that the agency is also preparing reintegration support for returning workers.
“Even without a crisis, DMW provides programs for our OFWs, including financial assistance, livelihood support, and counseling for their families. We want them to know that help is available,” he explained.
DMW Migrant Workers Protection Division Chief Juan Miguel De Leon stressed that assistance is extended to both documented and undocumented OFWs.
“At DMW, we help all Filipino workers abroad, whether documented or undocumented. As long as they are Filipinos working overseas, we provide assistance,” he said, urging undocumented OFWs to coordinate with MWOs for proper documentation.
Meanwhile, Migrant Workers Protection Attorney III Leo Nekko Romero highlighted the agency’s efforts to prevent illegal recruitment through Anti-Illegal Recruitment and Trafficking in Persons (AIRTIP) seminars conducted with local government units and partner agencies such as the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and Department of Labor and Employment.
He warned that many victims are lured through social media advertisements and messaging applications.
“If it’s too good to be true, it usually is not true. Applicants must verify offers before engaging with recruiters,” Romero added.
The DMW also reminded the public to check the list of licensed recruitment agencies through the DMW website, which provides real-time updates.
The agency assured that it continues to provide reintegration programs, financial assistance, and counseling services to support returning OFWs and their families. (MJSC/AJPM, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)
