DMW to strengthen housing guidelines for household service workers
DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac revealed that the DMW is considering adopting Singaporean housing standards to address poor living conditions often faced by workers awaiting deployment.
During a Senate Committee on Migrant Workers hearing on March 24, 2025, Cacdac emphasized that the new guidelines would mirror Singapore's requirement of at least 3.6 square meters of living space per resident, with rooms housing up to 12 individuals.
Additional provisions would include first aid kits, internet access, and a locker for personal belongings, as suggested by Senator Raffy Tulfo.
Cacdac also addressed concerns about human trafficking, noting that workers restricted from leaving their accommodation would be presumed victims, and emphasized the importance of nationwide inspections to ensure compliance with housing regulations.
Out of 33 accommodation facilities inspected, 27 were delisted for violating standards.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Filipino Times
9 hours ago
- Filipino Times
DMW Pushes Stricter Enforcement of Recruitment Rules to Protect OFWs
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac has urged both Philippine and foreign recruitment agencies to strictly follow Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) regulations, emphasizing ethical recruitment and stronger safeguards for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Speaking at the first regular congress of the Pinay Careworkers Transnational on August 19, 2025, Secretary Cacdac vowed stricter implementation of reforms in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to prioritize OFW welfare. 'We will be strict, we will be more circumspect in terms of recruitment agencies who violate our rules and regulations… patuloy tayong maghihigpit dito sa mga reporma,' Cacdac said. The Secretary cited recurring violations such as confiscation of passports and cellphones, and provision of poor living conditions for OFWs. He also called attention to abusive loan schemes in Hong Kong, promising to pursue legal remedies with international partners while strengthening financial literacy programs for Filipino workers. Cacdac further highlighted the DMW's reintegration initiatives, including upskilling and training programs for returning domestic workers. He noted new opportunities being developed with Japan, Korea, and Taiwan to widen caregiving employment pathways.
Filipino Times
a day ago
- Filipino Times
PH Government Welcomes 40 Repatriated OFWs from Nigeria After Human Trafficking Ordeal
The Philippine government has successfully repatriated 40 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were victims of human trafficking in Lagos, Nigeria. Thirty-nine of them arrived at NAIA Terminal 3 on August 18, 2025, via flight QR932, while a young mother who recently gave birth in detention remains in Lagos until she and her infant are cleared to travel. The OFWs were among those arrested during a December 2024 Nigerian government raid on cryptocurrency and online romance scam operations. Initially promised jobs as customer service representatives with $1,000 monthly salaries and free lodging, they were instead forced into cyber scams, stripped of their passports, and subjected to threats and exploitation. With the help of the Philippine Embassy in Abuja and the Honorary Consulate in Lagos, the workers negotiated plea deals to secure their release. Their return was made possible following the August 17 visit of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and embassy officials. Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, joined by House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs (HCOWA) Chairperson Rep. Bryan Revilla and other government agencies, personally welcomed the victims upon arrival. Each repatriated OFW received ₱50,000 in financial aid from the DMW's AKSYON Fund, temporary shelter from OWWA, and access to medical, psychosocial, and reintegration support. Secretary Cacdac vowed continued government support: 'Utos ng ating Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na makapagpanimula kayong muli, at tungkulin namin sa DMW na paigtingin ang inyong tibay at lakas ng loob upang makapagsimulang muli.' Rep. Revilla added that the House of Representatives remains committed to safeguarding OFWs' rights. The DMW reminded job seekers to stay vigilant against illegal recruitment and trafficking schemes, assuring that the government will continue to uphold the welfare of migrant workers worldwide.
Filipino Times
2 days ago
- Filipino Times
PH Government Extends Support to Women and Children at Al Khobar Shelter
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), together with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), visited the Al Khobar Shelter to be with distressed Overseas Filipinos temporarily staying there. As part of the visit, gifts from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos were distributed to 104 wards at the shelter as a gesture of care and support. Led by OWWA Administrator PY Caunan, the delegation also presented government programs and services available to OFWs, such as repatriation, psychosocial counseling, medical assistance, and documentation support—assistance meant to guide them at every stage of their journey. The government emphasized that OFWs are never alone, assuring that in every step of their struggle and recovery, support and hope for a fresh start will always be extended to them and their families.
