A new mobile application designed to provide comprehensive support and information to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) worldwide is slated for launch in July, according to the Philippine News Agency.
OFW Party-list Representative Marissa Magsino announced that the OFW App aims to integrate the digitization efforts of various government agencies. The app will offer access to welfare assistance, a range of benefits, and an emergency button that directly connects users to the Overseas Workers and Welfare Administration (OWWA).
Rep. Magsino, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan John Uy, and OWWA Administrator Arnaldo Ignacio signed the memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the OFW App at the OFW Tulong at Serbisyo Center at Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque City on Tuesday. The signing ceremony was also attended by Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and DICT Undersecretary for E-Government David Almirol, who both expressed strong support for the initiative.
“The OFW App will revolutionize the way OFWs access vital services and information, bringing essential support right at their fingertips,” Magsino stated.
The app is designed to streamline access to services, emergency assistance, and crucial information, all within a few clicks. “I have been pitching this idea to IT experts before, but it was only through DICT’s technical assistance that we were able to move forward with the project. And today, here we are with the signing of the MOU on this significant initiative,” Magsino added.
The OFW App’s features will expand over time to include services from other government agencies that frequently interact with OFWs. The DMW has already indicated its intent to link vital services to the app.
A simulation phase involving select OFWs worldwide will commence soon to gather user feedback. The formal launch of the app will follow the finetuning of its interface and services based on this consultation.
Expressing gratitude, Magsino said, “I would like to thank DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy and Undersecretary David Almirol for walking hand in hand with the OFW Party List to bring our idea to life.”
She also acknowledged OWWA’s collaboration in delivering services, particularly welfare assistance. “Our world is fast evolving through digital technology, and we should be in sync with innovations in how we bring our services to our OFWs,” Magsino emphasized.