Two government agencies tasked with assisting Filipinos abroad have formalized a partnership aimed at improving how migration information is gathered and used in policymaking.
On February 20, 2026, in Pasay City, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Commission of Filipinos Overseas (CFO) signed an agreement that enables both offices to exchange relevant records and statistics. The initiative is intended to generate dependable migration data that can guide programs for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and other overseas Filipinos (OFs).
Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac and Commission of Filipinos Overseas Secretary and Chairperson Dante “Klink” Ang II led the signing ceremony. The arrangement supports the directive of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to enhance government coordination in delivering services to Filipinos living and working abroad.
Under the agreement, both agencies will share information necessary for crafting measures that provide sustained care and assistance not only to workers overseas but also to their families. Officials said the collaboration is designed to address gaps in available data that have previously limited program alignment.
“Natutuwa ang Pangulo kapag nakikita nya that agencies are working together. This partnership will cover a lot of gray areas to take care of our overseas Filipinos, and our OFWs, and of course, their families,” said Secretary Cacdac.
The accord also outlines efforts to modernize processes through digital integration, with the goal of creating smoother service channels and more efficient access to government support. By connecting their systems, DMW and CFO expect to refine coordination in delivering programs focused on protection and empowerment.
“Hopefully, this partnership will be a significant step toward establishing a unified database—or a milestone in making that a reality. We are grateful to the DMW for partnering with us, and there are many areas where we can collaborate to empower Filipinos overseas,” said Secretary Ang.
Through the agreement, both agencies are set to exchange relevant migration data to support the development of policies tailored to the needs of OFWs and other Filipinos residing abroad.
