Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac on Wednesday announced sweeping improvements in government services for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), emphasizing that these reforms reflect President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s firm directive to always prioritize the safety, dignity, and welfare of Filipino workers abroad.
Speaking at the post-SONA conference in San Juan City, Cacdac pointed to various initiatives that have changed the OFW experience—from better airport lounges to digitalized documentation and strengthened support for families left behind.
Among the most significant reforms is the establishment of OFW lounges across airports, which have served over 1.2 million Filipino workers since being launched last year. “Iniutos na ng Pangulo yung pagtatalaga ng mga OFW lounge… at nakapaglingkod sa 1.2 million OFWs na dumaan doon mula nung pinag-utos ito ng Pangulo last year,” Cacdac said, highlighting that the facility stands as a symbol of national gratitude.
The digital shift, meanwhile, aims to ease the burden of paperwork. As President Marcos revealed in his recent SONA, the outdated Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is being replaced with a streamlined digital “key travel pass” through the eGovPH app. With this app, OFWs can access various government services, from ID applications to customs declarations, without the usual long lines.
Cacdac said this move toward digital documentation means less time in queues and more time spent with families during short home visits. “This digital transformation isn’t just convenience—it’s respect for their time and sacrifices,” he emphasized.
Beyond travel and documents, the government is also boosting its Aksyon Fund to extend more legal and welfare aid to distressed OFWs. Cacdac added that support doesn’t stop with workers themselves; the families they leave behind are also now covered by expanded programs from DMW and OWWA—ranging from scholarships to mental wellness initiatives.
He also took the opportunity to remind OFWs to remain law-abiding in their host countries, underscoring that while the government continues to extend support, personal responsibility remains key.
