The 15th episode of the Philippine Information Agencyโs nationwide synchronized press briefing entitled โKapihan sa Bagong Pilipinasโ set the spotlight on agencies under the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
In Central Luzon, DMW Regional Director Mel Candano emphasized that the government is seeking to transform the journey and narrative of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families by assisting them in the process of pre-employment, return and reintegration. He added that DMW promotes fair and ethical recruitment abroad by going after illegal recruiters, scammers and traffickers to ensure a better labor migration journey.
Moreover, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Regional Director Ma. Lourdes Reyes disclosed that in just two years, they were able to assist about 72,534 OFWs in the region. This figure translates to a total of P394,763,737.40 worth of assistance from July 2022 to June 2024.
And lastly, OFW Hospital Chief Ralph Julius Mendoza said they offer zero out-of-pocket primary care and services to OFWs and their qualified dependents. The Level 1 Hospital, which has 50 bed capacity, caters to 300-500 patients a day. While they accept walk-ins, Mendoza encouraged OFWs and their dependents to set an appointment via the OFW Hospital Facebook Page.
