The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) concludes 2025 with record-breaking milestones in its mission to protect and empower Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Through a strategic focus on safe migration, expanded welfare services, and innovative digital transformation, the Department has solidified its role as “Ang Tahanan ng OFW” (The Home of the OFW).
To meet the growing needs of the modern migrant worker, the DMW successfully filled 1,491 key positions by November 2025. This workforce expansion has significantly boosted the department’s ability to deliver direct frontline services.
On the global stage, the DMW’s diplomatic efforts resulted in 10 new bilateral labor agreements, ensuring that rights-based migration governance remains at the forefront of international employment. The Department now operates 42 Migrant Workers Offices (MWOs) worldwide, providing a robust support network for Filipinos abroad.
The DMW’s commitment to crisis management was put to the test in 2025. Utilizing the ₱2.2 billion AKSYON Fund (Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFWs na Nangangailangan), the Department disbursed nearly ₱2.18 billion in aid between January and November.
This financial, medical, and legal assistance reached over 160,000 OFWs. Key repatriation efforts included:
1,562 OFWs safely returned from the Hamas–Israel conflict.
803 OFWs repatriated from Sudan.
1,667 OFWs brought home from Lebanon.
Digital Transformation and Reintegration
The year 2025 marked a historic shift in administrative efficiency with the continued rollout of the OFW Pass. Recording 514,966 digital transactions, the pass has effectively replaced the decades-old Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) process, saving workers time and resources.
For those returning home, the DMW’s reintegration programs supported 52,745 OFWs as of October. A highlight of these efforts is the Sa Pinas, Ikaw ang Ma’am/Sir program, which successfully transitioned 656 OFW teachers into permanent positions within the Philippine public school system.
The DMW continues to prioritize the physical well-being of its stakeholders:
OFW Hospital (Pampanga): Now upgraded to a Level 2 facility, it served 115,365 beneficiaries this year.
OFW Lounges: These dedicated airport spaces provided comfort and assistance to 856,551 OFWs as of November.
“Our progress in 2025 is a testament to our promise that no OFW is left behind,” the Department stated. “From digital innovation to life-saving repatriations, we are building a future where migration is a choice, and every worker is protected.”
