The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has joined forces with the Legal Education Board (LEB) to bring free legal assistance closer to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) — while also giving law students a chance to serve and learn beyond the classroom.
Through a newly signed memorandum of agreement, distressed OFWs will now be able to seek legal advice and support from accredited legal aid clinics in participating law schools across the country. At the same time, law students will be trained to handle real cases, specifically those involving workers’ rights.
“The legal worry that we can take away from our OFWs will go a very long way,” said Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, stressing that the law is a powerful tool in protecting OFWs from exploitation. “The law is the best weapon against exploitation, worry, and all the things that can make OFWs unproductive and distressed.”
The initiative supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to uphold the rights and welfare of Filipinos working abroad.
LEB Chairperson Jason Barlis underscored how this effort bridges theory and practice in legal education, giving students a deeper connection to their future profession. “It’s about making sure that the promise of access to justice reaches even those who are miles away from home,” Barlis said, adding that students gain firsthand experience on how the law works in real life.
The collaboration is expected to benefit not just the OFWs needing legal help, but also to shape a new generation of lawyers grounded in public service and social justice.
