THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has released nearly P1 billion ($17.8 million) from a P2.8 billion ($49.8 million) action fund to assist distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), its official said on Tuesday, July 2.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac reported that approximately 62,000 OFWs have received financial, legal, and labor assistance through the fund.
“This effort is ongoing,” Cacdac said during a government media briefing. “It includes those with complaints about their employers—interrupted employment, underpayment of wages, workplace abuse, and those facing legal charges from employers.”
The breakdown of the assistance and the beneficiaries includes:
43,000 workers aided in labor-related cases
9,400 provided legal assistance for court cases
10,000 given financial support through the Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFW na Nangangailangan (AKSYON) Fund
Cacdac emphasized the agency’s commitment to making the fund more accessible to OFWs and their families while maximizing remaining resources.
“We need to involve more people in terms of distribution of funds,” the DMW chief said.
“Hopefully, there won’t be any more distressed workers. Of course, that is our fervent wish, that no one encounters problems. But if problems arise, we have the distribution of our funds,” he added.
The action fund aims to provide comprehensive support for OFWs in need, including medical assistance, repatriation, and reintegration services. (AVS/PIA-NCR)
