The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has received the approval for its P15.54 billion budget for 2024 from a Senate panel.
This decision follows the temporary suspension of budget deliberations on September 11 due to the agency’s request to realign P5.1 billion from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to its Office of the Secretary.
This shift of financial resources comes in the wake of senators pointing out the underutilization of the funds allocated to OWWA. Addressing the matter, DMW Usec.
Maria Anthonette Allones mentioned that the agency had utilized 70% of its budget as of the end of August 2023, affirming that they are on the right track.
She assured that the remaining budget would be used up by the end of the year according to their catch-up plans.
Allones’ remarks came amidst calls from OWWA administrator Arnell Ignacio to grant them greater flexibility in the utilization of the funds.
Ignacio highlighted the potential to enhance support for DMW through a more flexible approach to fund allocation.
While the DMW initially asked for a P29.49 billion budget, they were allocated P15.54 billion, equating to the amount earmarked in the 2024 National Expenditure Program by the Department of Budget and Management.