Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac engaged with Filipino community leaders here during the “Kamustahan with Sec. Hans” on June 28, 2026.
The dialogue gave the Secretary a chance to hear directly from Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and share updates on the department’s efforts to make government services more accessible, responsive, and convenient.
A major highlight of the discussion was the DMW’s aggressive push for digital transformation aimed at cutting red tape and streamlining airport procedures. Secretary Cacdac emphasized the department’s continuous collaboration with major airlines and the New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (NNIC) to maximize the deployment and benefits of the digital OFW Pass.
“Patuloy po kaming nakikipag-ugnayan sa mga airlines at NNIC upang maging lubos ang benepisyo ng OFW Pass,” (We are continuously coordinating with airlines and the NNIC to ensure that the benefits of the OFW Pass are fully realized,) Secretary Cacdac said, promising smoother airport processing for departing workers.
Furthermore, the Secretary provided updates on the e-Verifier System and the Dataflow platform. These digital tools now allow eligible workers to access optional online contract verification to secure their Overseas Employment Certificates (OECs), significantly reducing the need for face-to-face transactions.
To ensure workers are fully informed of these digital shifts, the DMW, in partnership with the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Singapore, will roll out a series of educational webinars covering the OFW Pass, the OFW Hospital’s services, and various ongoing government programs.
The Secretary also brought welcome news regarding welfare funding. Following approval from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the AKSYON Fund received a higher budget allocation. This financial boost has enabled the DMW to extend crucial legal and welfare assistance to more than 80,000 OFWs globally, including approximately 1,000 beneficiaries in Singapore alone.
Despite being one of the youngest departments in the Philippine government, Secretary Cacdac underscored that the DMW is rapidly expanding its portfolio for OFW protection, health, and eventual homecoming. Key initiatives highlighted include:
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Healthcare Expansion: Ongoing operations of the dedicated OFW Hospital and the establishment of “OFW Wings” in various medical centers, in close partnership with the Department of Health (DOH).
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The National Reintegration Network (NRN): A comprehensive ecosystem designed to help returning OFWs transition back into the Philippine economy. The NRN bridges returning workers to immediate employment facilitation, skills training via TESDA, and livelihood and business support through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
“Our goal is to bring the DMW closer to our modern-day heroes, wherever they may be in the world,” Secretary Cacdac concluded, reinforcing the government’s commitment to supporting OFWs from the day they deploy until they safely reintegrate back home.
