The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced a significant improvement in its budget utilization, putting it on track to achieve a 100% utilization rate by the end of 2025. This development counters recent reports that labeled the agency as a low-spending government body.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac clarified that the DMW’s budget utilization rate for 2024 was 73%, not the 49% figure cited by an online news outlet. While acknowledging that 73% is not the desired target, Secretary Cacdac highlighted the agency’s swift turnaround in 2025.
“I’m glad to report that the DMW has reversed this trend so far in 2025,” Secretary Cacdac stated. “We’re on track toward 100% utilization by the end of the year.”
The DMW’s AKSYON Fund, a key financial resource for assisting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), has already recorded a utilization rate of 61.8% as of July 31, 2025, which surpasses its 2024 utilization rate of 59%.
This marked improvement is a direct result of the DMW’s strategic efforts to boost its capacity to deliver services and assistance to OFWs and their families. The agency has added 500 new personnel, strengthening its human resources and enabling it to more responsively utilize its budget.
The DMW remains committed to ensuring the protection and welfare of OFWs and their families through the effective and efficient use of its budget.
