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Empowering OFWs: Government Resources and Support

January 25, 2024

Empowering OFWs: Government Resources and Support

 

Photo credited to patrickroque01 & licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0

Working abroad can be rewarding, however, it comes with risks such as being far from your family, dealing with mental health, personal safety and host country environment. Fortunately, various government resources are available to provide assistance and support for OFWs. Whether it’s essential aid, financial assistance or legal aid, OFWs can benefit from these valuable resources.

 

Department of Migrant Workers (DMW)

DMW was created on December 30, 2021 under the Republic Act No.11641. The newest agency performs the functions and responsibility of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and the absorbed seven agencies from Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). The following are the subsumed agencies of DMW:

         Subsumed Agencies                               Functions                   Contacts
ILAB - International Affairs Bureau

Develop and implement policies and programs related to international labor affairs, including the protection of the OFW rights and welfare.

Facebook-DOLE ILAB

dole.ilab@ymail.com

NMP - National Maritime Polytechnic

 Provide education and training programs for Filipino seafarers, ensuring they are skilled and knowledgeable of maritime work. Nmp.gov.ph
NRC - National Reintegration Center for OFWs Focuses on the reintegration of returning OFWs by providing community-based programs, livelihood assistance and support services.

nrco@dmw.gov.ph

+63 285262392
OSWA - Office for Social Welfare Attaché Provide support and welfare services to OFWs and their families in crisis or distress situations, both in host countries and upon their return to the Philippines.  
OUMWA - Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Oversees programs and policies for the protection and welfare of migrant workers and address issues related to human trafficking, legal assistance and repatriation.  
OWWA - Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Provide benefits and social welfare to OFWs and their families, including assistance, insurance, repatriation, and training.

24/7 Hotline

 

Metro Manila / Cellphone: 1348

 

Regional: (02) 1348

 

International: (+632) 1348

 

owwacares@owwa.gov.ph

 

OWWA Central Office

 

F.B. Harrison St, Pasay, Metro Manila
POEA - Philippine Overseas Employment Administration Regulates and manages the deployment of OFWs abroad. Ensure compliance with labor and migration laws. Protect the rights and Welfares.

Blas F. Ople Building

Ortigas Avenue corner EDSA

Mandaluyong City

connect@poea.gov.ph

8-722-11-44 / 8-722-11-55
POLO - Philippine Overseas Labor Office Acts as the primary representative of DOLE List of POLO-OWWA Offices


 

Services:

 

  • Provide info and assistance to migrant workers

  • Facilitate deployment through accredited recruitment agencies

  • Monitor and regulate recruitment agencies

  • Assist with employment contracts, salaries, and working conditions

  • Support distressed workers, including repatriation and legal aid

  • Promote awareness and education on migration and development

  • Collaborate with international organizations and host countries

  • Conduct research and policy development

  • Assist families of migrant workers

  • Ensure compliance with anti-trafficking laws

  • Provide reintegration programs and livelihood assistance to returning workers.



 

Commission on Filipinos Overseas

 

A government agency under the office of the President. It’s headed by a Chairperson with a rank of cabinet secretary. CFO emphasis is to facilitate and uphold the interests, integration, and recognition of Filipino emigrants along with their engagement and contributions to their homeland. Unlike the DMW which focuses on regulating overseas employment, the CFO focus on:

Services:

 

 

Contacts:

 

 

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)

A cabinet level government agency that offers consular services to Filipinos living as a tourist or worker abroad. OFWs can seek assistance to consulates and embassies for passport-related concerns, emergency repatriation and document authentication. DFA also provide alerts, travel advisories and information to ensure safety and well-being of Filipino expats, overseas tourists, dual citizens, and OFWs.

Contact for Passport, authentication, other consular inquiries

 

 

Address:
2330 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, Philippines

Telephone:
(632) 8 834-4000
(632) 8 834-3000
Passport Appointment Concerns: 8 234 3488
For Passport, Authentication, & Other Consular Inquiries: 8 651 9400 

Department of Social Welfare and Development

DSWD is responsible for the social and welfare development. It provides social services especially to the poor Filipinos, such as disaster relief, education, food, healthcare, and housing. The agency also provides social services to OFWs who are deportees, repatriates and trafficked. The services include the following through the international social welfare services for Filipinos (ISWSFN).

          - Assists individuals in crisis situation
          - Provide Child placement (ISS Japan only)
          - Provide Counselling services
          - Provide Critical incident stress debriefing
          - Refer OFWs
          - Repatriate OFWs
          - Provide Social Integration Services
   

 The DSWD provides the above services by:

  • Sending social welfare attaches (SWAtt)

  • Sending intern social workers to get experience at International Social Service (ISS).

Links:

Contact:

DSWD

  • Department of Social Welfare and Development

  • DSWD Building, Constitution Hills, Batasan Complex, Quezon City, PH 1126

  • (632) 931-8101 to 07

  • inquiry@dswd.gov.ph

 

Philhealth

PhilHealth stands for the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. It is a government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) created in 1995. The main purpose of Philhealth is to implement universal health coverage in the country. It provides a variety of comprehensive health care services to its members, ranging from basic primary care to catastrophic packages. PhilHealth is tax-exempt and plays a crucial role in ensuring that Filipinos have access to affordable and quality health care.

Contacts:

 

Social Security System (SSS)

SSS is a Government Owned and Controlled Corporation (GOCC) providing loan facilities, retirement benefits and social insurance to all Filipino citizens. Just like covering the Philippine-based Filipino members, SSS covers OFWs with the same benefits.  The SSS OFW coverage starts from the first day of payment to SSS. 

SSS benefits exclusive to OFWs

  • SSS Flexi Fund Program - This refers to a voluntary savings scheme or provident fund for OFWs. It allows OFWs to contribute even as low as 200 PHP without maximum deposit or maintaining balance.

  • Overseas Filipino Workers SSS Coverage Program - This covers sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, death, funeral, salary, housing, house repair/improvement loans and benefits.

 

Services:

  • Provide social security coverage

  • Administer social security benefits

  • Manage contributions

  • Ensure compliance

  • Provide loans and housing programs

 

Sources:

 

Contact:

 

The Bottom Line

As an OFW, it's essential to be aware of the government resources available to provide support and assistance. The said agencies play a crucial role in safeguarding the rights, welfare, and overall well-being of Overseas Filipino Workers. Always, deal with a Legit overseas Filipino recruitment agency. By leveraging these resources, you can navigate challenges more effectively and ensure a secure and fulfilling experience while working abroad.

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