Patricia Yvonne “PY” Caunan, head of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), issued a public clarification addressing growing questions from overseas Filipinos about the Aksyon Fund, emphasizing that the program is separate from OWWA’s mandate and funding and is administered directly by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
In a Facebook post shared on Tuesday, Caunan underscored that the Aksyon Fund does not fall under OWWA’s programs, a point that has caused confusion among some OFWs seeking financial and emergency assistance.
“Ang Aksyon Fund ay programa ng Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) at direktang pinamamahalaan ng DMW. Ito ay hiwalay sa mandato at pondo ng OWWA.”
The clarification comes amid increased public inquiries about delays, follow-ups, and eligibility for assistance under the Aksyon Fund, which has been positioned by the government as an emergency support mechanism for distressed overseas Filipino workers. Established following the creation of the DMW under Republic Act No. 11641, the fund covers urgent needs such as emergency financial aid, medical and legal assistance, repatriation, and crisis response—functions that were previously handled through various agencies before being consolidated under the DMW.
Caunan advised OFWs with pending or unresolved concerns related to the Aksyon Fund to coordinate directly with DMW offices rather than OWWA, noting the proper channels for faster resolution.
“Kung ikaw ay may pending o follow-up concern sa Aksyon Fund katulad ng financial assistance, maaari kang makipag-ugnayan sa pinakamalapit na DMW regional office o sa Migrant Workers Office sa bansa na naroroon kayo.”
She also provided official contact details for inquiries, including the DMW email and hotline numbers.
“Maari din po kayong mag-email sa oas-mwws@dmw.gov.ph
o tumawag sa 8724-3557 o 8726-8913.”
The Aksyon Fund operates independently of OWWA’s member-based benefits, such as disability, death, education, and reintegration programs. While both agencies serve OFWs, their funding sources, approval processes, and scopes differ—an issue that has prompted repeated calls for clearer public communication, particularly during emergencies when OFWs seek immediate aid.
Caunan stressed that despite institutional distinctions, both agencies share the same overarching objective of assisting migrant workers.
“Iisa ang layunin ng DMW at OWWA. Ang tulungan ang ating mga OFW. Mahalaga ang tamang impormasyon upang mas mabilis ang proseso at agarang tulong na maibigay.”
Government data show that the DMW has already disbursed assistance to hundreds of distressed OFWs under the Aksyon Fund, with aid varying depending on medical, legal, or humanitarian circumstances. However, advocacy groups have continued to call for clearer guidelines and transparency in fund implementation, particularly on eligibility and processing timelines.
