What is the Meaning of DMW – Department of Migrant Workers (OFW Department)
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) of the Philippines was established to safeguard and advance the rights of overseas Filipino migrant workers (OFWs). What is the Meaning of DMW – Department of Migrant Workers (OFW Department) This department is responsible for providing support and assistance to Filipinos working abroad, as well as ensuring the protection of their rights. It seeks to consolidate various services and programs from different offices that cater to OFWs overseas, which is why it is also known as the “Department of OFWs.”
A significant role of the Department of Migrant Workers is to extend aid to migrant workers who have experienced exploitation or abuse. This assistance includes providing them with shelter, food, medical care, and legal support. Additionally, the department offers support to migrant workers who have been deported from other countries.
The consolidation and transfer of several agencies are planned to be carried out as part of the establishment of the new department. These agencies include the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs (OUMWA) from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB) from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Commission on Filipino Overseas (CFO) from the Office of the President, the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the International Social Services Office (ISSO) from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) from DOLE, and all Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO). These agencies will be merged and transferred to the newly created Department of Migrant Workers to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of services provided to OFWs.
History
In 2016, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte of the Philippines proposed the creation of a single government agency dedicated to the care of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). He emphasized that this agency would handle all the permits and requirements needed by OFWs, streamlining the process and ensuring their welfare. The president envisioned a department solely dedicated to the needs of OFWs.
Fast forward to 2021, President Duterte signed the Republic Act (RA) 11641, which officially established the “Department of Migrant Workers” (DMW). This act aimed to enhance coordination among various agencies involved in safeguarding the interests of OFWs. The primary objective of the DMW was to address the existing gaps and challenges in the current system by consolidating the responsibilities of different departments into a single entity focused on the welfare of OFWs.
Despite the presence of government agencies assigned to protect and support OFWs, there were instances where their functions fell short. This was mainly because some of these agencies were operating under different departments that did not prioritize the welfare of OFWs. Recognizing this issue, President Duterte proposed the creation of the DMW to centralize and mandate the coordination of all agencies involved in the welfare of OFWs. The establishment of the DMW aimed to ensure that the needs and concerns of OFWs were addressed more effectively and efficiently.
Migrant Workers Office Act (OFW Department)
The Act for the Department of Migrant Workers was implemented in February 2022, and according to the information provided, the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) were scheduled to be issued on April 18, 2022. Following that, the staffing pattern for the Department was expected to be established on June 3, 2022.
It was announced that President Rodrigo Duterte nominated Abdullah Mama-o, his adviser, as the secretary of the newly established Department of Migrant Workers.
However, the formation of the Department of Migrant Workers is contingent upon several factors, as stated in the law. These include having a budget allocated for the Department in 2023, issuing the IRR, and establishing a staffing pattern.
Ultimately, the creation and successful functioning of the Department of Migrant Workers will depend on the political will of the next president and how the next administration prioritizes matters related to migration and the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
Main Functions
Under the proposed restructuring, the activities and responsibilities of various government agencies that currently handle OFW concerns would be combined and transferred to the new Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). One of the agencies that would be affected is the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
OWWA, which currently protects the interests of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families by providing social security, employment support, cultural services, remittances, and handling legal matters, would be absorbed by the DMW. This means that the functions and services provided by OWWA would be integrated into the new department.
In addition to the responsibilities carried out by OWWA, the DMW would also take on additional tasks related to the regulation of the OFW recruitment process, employment and deployment, and legal actions against issues such as human trafficking and illegal recruitment of OFWs. This could involve conducting investigations, filing cases, and taking appropriate measures to safeguard the welfare and rights of migrant workers.
The overall aim of establishing the DMW is to streamline and centralize the management of OFW concerns, ensuring a more coordinated and efficient approach to addressing the needs and challenges faced by Filipino migrant workers.
What is the Migrant Workers Office’s purpose?
The creation of the Department of Migrant Workers will involve the incorporation of various offices and agencies that are currently responsible for the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Specifically, the functions and responsibilities currently held by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will be transferred to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
Based on its written bill, the role of this new department will be the following:
- Formulate Solutions
- Plan
- Coordinate
- Administer
- Promote
- Implement Policies
Undertake Systems for OFWs by:
- Regulating
- Managing
- Monitoring
This department aims to consolidate various government entities into a single location, making it more convenient for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to obtain documentation and seek assistance.
The formation of this department considers the national development programs formulated by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), ensuring alignment with the country’s overall development goals. The department also emphasizes the empowerment and protection of Filipinos working abroad by providing opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge and ensuring access to continuous training and growth.
As part of this reorganization, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration will be renamed as the Department of Migrant Workers. This new department will be responsible for overseeing and implementing programs that safeguard the welfare of OFWs. The creation of this department highlights the government’s commitment to addressing the needs and concerns of migrant workers and providing them with comprehensive support.
Philippine Agencies to be Merged into the DMW Office
The following agencies will also be merged and transferred to the new department:
These agencies include:
- Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA): The POEA is responsible for promoting and monitoring the overseas employment of Filipino workers.
- Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs (OUMWA): This office operates under the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and focuses on addressing the concerns and welfare of OFWs.
- International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB): Currently under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), ILAB deals with international labor relations and policies, including those affecting OFWs.
- Commission on Filipino Overseas (CFO): The CFO, under the Office of the President, is tasked with promoting and protecting the rights and welfare of Filipinos abroad.
- National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO): The NRCO, currently under the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), assists returning OFWs in their reintegration into Philippine society.
- International Social Services Office (ISSO): Currently under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the ISSO provides social services to OFWs and their families.
- National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP): Under the DOLE, the NMP offers maritime training programs for Filipino seafarers.
- Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO): All POLO offices are currently under the DOLE and serve as labor centers providing services to OFWs in their host countries.
The intention is to combine and transfer the functions of these agencies, which are currently distributed across multiple departments, to a new department called the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). This reorganization aims to streamline the handling of OFW matters.
In addition to the agency reorganization, Republic Act (RA) 11641 will establish a Management Information System for the registration of all OFWs. It will also create a 24-hour Emergency Response and Action Center Unit and a media and social media monitoring center to address the emergency needs of OFWs.
To assist OFWs, the government will establish the Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFW na Nangangailangan (AKSYON) Fund. This fund will support OFWs with legal and other forms of assistance, complementing the Department of Foreign Affairs Assistance to Nationals Fund and Legal Assistance Fund.
Summary
The Department of Migrant Workers will be the central unit that consolidates and oversees all the agencies involved in the welfare and protection of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). This consolidation will bring several benefits to both the government and OFWs.
Firstly, having a head department that mandates and organizes all programs, policies, and concerns related to OFWs around the world will significantly enhance coordination among the various agencies. What is the Meaning of DMW – Department of Migrant Workers (OFW Department) This will lead to faster and more efficient assistance and support for OFWs, as all relevant entities will be able to work together seamlessly.
By streamlining the process and providing a single location for documentation and assistance, the new department will make it easier for migrant workers to access the services they need. This will reduce bureaucratic hurdles and save time for OFWs, allowing them to focus on their work and well-being while abroad.
The renaming of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration to the Department of Migrant Workers signifies a shift in focus toward the holistic welfare of OFWs. The new department will have the responsibility of overseeing all programs aimed at preserving the welfare of OFWs, emphasizing the importance of their well-being and protection.
For this vision to be fully realized, the next president must continue and support this project by implementing the necessary changes and providing the resources needed for the Department of Migrant Workers to function effectively.
