House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez has lauded the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) for unveiling a stronger set of protections for Filipino household service workers, describing the reforms as proof of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to uplift the lives of the country’s “modern-day heroes.”
The reforms include a salary increase for Filipino domestic helpers from USD 400 to USD 500 per month. This adjustment will take effect 60 days after the directive is issued and will be applied to all contracts processed by the DMW.
Romualdez stressed that the increase is more than just financial relief—it is about dignity. “Like other OFWs toiling in far-away lands, Filipino domestic workers perform work of equal value that deserves fair compensation. These reforms are not only to ensure that they can send more to their families back home, but to promote the dignity of work as members of the labor force,” he said.
Beyond wages, the DMW also announced new safeguards: annual medical check-ups funded by the agency, a required “know your employer” video call before contract signing, and the launch of a digital monitoring system called Kamusta Kabayan to check on workers’ welfare. Stricter housing standards for recruitment agencies and a reinforced whitelisting policy will likewise ensure that only ethical agencies can send helpers abroad.
“These measures reflect our government’s genuine compassion for our OFWs and will help ensure that they are treated in a just, humane, and dignified manner by their employers,” Romualdez said.
For 2026, the Marcos administration has proposed a P10.2 billion budget for the DMW, including P1.2 billion for the AKSYON Fund and P1.3 billion for the Emergency Repatriation Program. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is also set to receive P3.45 billion, with P2.42 billion allocated to social protection and welfare programs for OFWs and their families.
Romualdez assured migrant workers that the government remains firmly on their side: “Walang dadaig sa galing at giting ng Pilipinong manggagawa, dito man o sa ibang bansa. Bilang mga lingkod-bayan, kami sa pamahalaan ay katuwang ng ating mga OFW sa pagyabong ng ating mahal na Pilipinas at sa pagbuo ng kanilang mga pangarap para sa kanilang mga pamilya.”
