Following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to decentralize government services, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) officially sealed a partnership with the Provincial Government of Aurora yesterday, February 24, to establish a new DMW Provincial Office in Baler.
The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) marks a significant milestone in the “convergence of services,” ensuring that the thousands of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families in Aurora no longer need to travel to regional hubs to access vital government support.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac emphasized that the expansion is rooted in the administration’s commitment to compassionate and accessible governance. “Our President’s order is simple but very meaningful: that we come closer to you with programs and services that touch your heart and soul,” Secretary Cacdac stated during the ceremony.
Undersecretary Bernard P. Olalia detailed the specific benefits that the Aurora Provincial Office will provide, creating a “one-stop-shop” environment for migrant workers. Key initiatives include:
-
Employment Opportunities: Regular conduct of local and overseas job fairs.
-
Reintegration Support: Livelihood assistance and financial literacy programs for returning OFWs.
-
Protection & Vigilance: Intensified campaigns against illegal recruitment and online scam hubs.
-
Lifelong Learning: Access to upskilling and Reskilling programs to keep Filipino workers competitive in the global market.
The event was attended by Aurora provincial officials, municipal mayors, and DMW regional representatives, signaling a unified front in protecting the rights and welfare of modern-day heroes. The DMW reiterated that government support does not end upon deployment but continues throughout the OFW’s journey and their eventual return home.
