The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) unveiled several key initiatives aimed at enhancing the protection and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). During the Malacañang Insider program, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac highlighted the agency’s plans to modernize the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP), upgrade OFW shelters abroad, and strengthen the legal assistance program.
The NMP, established during the Marcos Sr. administration in Tacloban, serves to improve the skills and qualifications of Filipino seafarers. The DMW plans to update and modernize this institution to better equip maritime graduates with the necessary skills for the ever-evolving industry.
Cacdac also announced plans to transform OFW shelters abroad into Migrant Workers Resource Centers. These upgraded facilities will not only provide refuge for distressed workers but also offer training and recreational opportunities, fostering a sense of community among OFWs.
In addition to these improvements, the DMW is bolstering its legal assistance services. The agency aims to create a pool of high-caliber lawyers, including Sharia experts, to ensure that OFWs receive top-notch legal support. Recent successes in obtaining justice for OFWs in physical injury and rape cases underscore the importance of these efforts.
Cacdac emphasized that the goal is to elevate the quality of services provided to OFWs, ensuring that they receive the protection and support they need while working abroad.