The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), particularly domestic workers in Malaysia, through a series of strengthened reform measures aimed at improving their work conditions and protection.
During a capability enhancement training for Welfare Desk Officers (WeDOs) held by the DMW Migrant Workers Office in Malaysia, Undersecretary Felicitas Q. Bay emphasized the agency’s ongoing mission to ensure decent and dignified work for all Filipinos employed abroad. She noted that a significant majority—about 87%—of OFWs in Malaysia are domestic workers.
“This is a reiteration of the DMW’s firm commitment to upholding decent work, ethical recruitment, and strengthened welfare mechanisms for Filipino domestic workers deployed abroad,” Undersecretary Bay said.
Among the critical reforms introduced are:
An increase in the minimum monthly wage from USD 400 to at least USD 500
Implementation of a mandatory “Know Your Employer” protocol
Use of a digital welfare monitoring system
Annual medical check-ups for domestic workers
Enforcement of a whitelisting policy to ensure ethical recruitment practices
Expanded support services for OFWs
The one-day training was designed to equip 91 WeDOs with practical tools and knowledge to better serve Filipino domestic workers, especially in handling cases and requests for assistance. Beyond technical skills, the session also aimed to instill a culture of empathy, compassion, and prompt service delivery.
Also speaking at the training were DMW Assistant Secretary Julyn Ambito Fermin and Assistant Labor Attaché Marieta Labong-Dela Cruz, who tackled topics on migrant protection frameworks, effective case management, and collaborative approaches.
Assistant Secretary Fermin underscored the joint responsibility shared by government agencies and recruitment firms to uphold the WeDOs’ mantra: “We do it right, we do it together.” This shared principle, she said, drives the creation of a more responsive and humane support system for Filipino workers abroad.
