Migrant workers department to be operational in 2023

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the newly-created state agency tasked to champion the welfare of the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), will be fully operational in 2023.

DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said, in a statement, that based on the joint circular of DOLE and DMW which was unveiled recently, it provides for the smooth transition of at least six labor agencies from DOLE to DMW, effectively charting the path for the latter’s evolution into a full-fledged department of government.

The agencies referred to are the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs), International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB), National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP).

Under Republic Act 11641 or the law that created the DMW, the transition would be carried out in a maximum of two years.

However, Laguesma found the stipulated period too long which runs counter to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s goal to deliver faster service to Filipino migrant workers.

“Masyadong matagal ang dalawang taon. Why wait that long when we can complete the transition earlier for the benefit of our beloved

OFWs,” Laguesma said.

The labor chief added that while it’s true that the transition will relieve DOLE of OFW-related tasks, it will help the department focus on its job to handle local employment.

“By focusing on our mandate, DOLE will be rendering faster and quality service to our workers in the country,” he further said.

Meanwhile, DOLE warns against fixers using name of Laguesma

Based on information reaching DOLE, there are attempts to solicit and demand money from unsuspecting businessmen and companies who may have issues and concerns with the labor department.

“It was learned that the modus was to drop the name of the DOLE chief so the perpetrators could demand money from those seeking favorable action from the department,” the statement reads.

Information and Publication Service Director Rolly Francia said that one of the scammers used the mobile number +639282935724 to reach the potential victims.

“The targets are usually members of the business community who want to get favorable results on their pending or potential concerns with DOLE,” Francia said.

Francia added the labor department strongly condemns such nefarious acts that tend to put the DOLE in bad light and destroy the good name of the labor chief.