Latest news with #AKSYONFund
Filipino Times
4 days ago
- Filipino Times
10 OFWs in Slovenia receive aid after reporting alleged human trafficking
Ten Filipino workers in Slovenia have received financial assistance from the Philippine Embassy in Vienna and its attached Migrant Workers Office (MWO) after being identified as victims of alleged human trafficking. The workers were initially recruited in 2023 to work in hotels and restaurants but were deployed to a different employer under harsh and inhumane conditions, the Embassy said in a news release. In June 2024, they submitted formal complaints to the MWO in Milan with the help of embassy officials. After fleeing their workplaces, they were granted temporary residence in Slovenia. They have since secured new full-time jobs while Slovenian authorities continue to investigate their former employer for possible human trafficking violations. The assistance was made possible through the AKSYON Fund of the Department of Migrant Workers, with MWO Vienna facilitating the aid. The Philippine Embassy encouraged other Filipino workers experiencing contract violations to report their cases to MWO Vienna for proper assistance.
Filipino Times
26-05-2025
- General
- Filipino Times
Four Filipino quake victims repatriated from Myanmar
The remains of four Filipinos who died in the recent earthquake in Myanmar were repatriated to the Philippines, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). The Filipinos died after the Sky Villa building in Mandalay collapsed due to a magnitude 7.7 earthquake on March 28, 2025. DMW Assistant Secretary Regina Galias and OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan joined the bereaved families during the arrival of the remains in Pasay City. 'Rest assured that, upon instructions of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, we will provide all the necessary assistance and support to the bereaved families during this time of grief and their utmost need,' Caunan said. The Philippine Embassy in Yangon and the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Bangkok coordinated the return of the victims' bodies to the Philippines. DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac earlier met with the families to extend condolences and financial aid under the DMW AKSYON Fund. The families will also receive reintegration support and other assistance.
Filipino Times
20-05-2025
- General
- Filipino Times
DMW gives emergency cash aid to 16 Filipino seafarers in crisis
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) granted emergency financial assistance to 16 Filipino seafarers under the AKSYON Fund. The cash aid was given during a ceremony at the Migrant's Brew café inside the Susan V. Ople Building in Makati City, led by DMW-NCR Director Atty. Falconi 'Ace' Millar. One of the recipients was Hannabel Garcia, a female security personnel on a cruise ship since 2002, who was diagnosed with a medical condition that left her unable to walk and in need of surgery. The seafarers had experienced various emergencies while on duty, which qualified them for financial support through the AKSYON Fund. Director Millar emphasized that the DMW remains committed to helping Filipinos abroad who face urgent challenges, as part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to support their welfare and reintegration. He added that beneficiaries should not feel obligated to thank the government, saying the assistance is a form of respect and recognition for their hard work and service to the country.
Filipino Times
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
DMW encourages OFWs to use online voting for 2025 Elections
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is urging overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to take advantage of online voting for the 2025 elections, offering a more convenient and accessible way to cast their votes. This initiative was highlighted by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who assured OFWs that the process would be secure and efficient. In a video message, President Marcos emphasized that online voting allows Filipinos abroad to vote from anywhere in the world without the need to queue or travel. 'Voting has never been easier, regardless of where you are. Through online voting, you can express your voice quickly, safely, and efficiently,' said the President. The overseas voting period runs from April 13, 2025, to May 12, 2025, with voting closing at 7:00 PM (Philippine Standard Time) on May 12. President Marcos also encouraged OFWs to choose candidates with integrity, competence, and compassion for public service, urging them to play a vital role in shaping the future of the country. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac reassured OFWs and their families of continued support during the election period, as the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has exempted key welfare and reintegration programs from the election spending ban. These services include the AKSYON Fund, reintegration programs, and local employment facilitation. 'We urge our kababayans to exercise their right to vote and help shape the future of our nation,' Secretary Cacdac added. 'Rest assured that the DMW stands ready to assist OFWs and their families throughout the elections.'
Filipino Times
25-04-2025
- Filipino Times
DMW ramps up crackdown on online job scams, vows stronger protection for aspiring OFWs
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is intensifying efforts to combat online job scams that prey on Filipinos seeking employment abroad. DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the agency is working closely with social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok to remove fake job posts that lure victims into human trafficking and forced labor in so-called 'scam hubs.' 'We've taken down 73,714 fraudulent posts on Facebook and TikTok so far. Daily monitoring is ongoing, and we have active coordination with Meta to stop syndicates posing as legitimate recruiters,' Cacdac said. Senator Raffy Tulfo raised concern over rising reports of Filipinos falling for bogus overseas jobs, later ending up trafficked and exploited. He urged DMW to expand its online surveillance operations. 'Let's add 20 to 30 more surveillance teams to speed up detection of these scams,' Tulfo said. DMW Undersecretary Bernard Olalia confirmed that the department already conducts online monitoring, but acknowledged the need for further support. Meanwhile, the DMW continues to assist victims rescued from scam hubs. Through the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Bangkok, survivors receive post-arrival assistance and financial aid from the AKSYON Fund. Gathering testimonies from rescued OFWs also plays a key role in identifying and prosecuting illegal recruiters. Cacdac said the DMW is planning to open more MWOs in areas with known scam hubs like Lao PDR, Cambodia, and Myanmar. A 24/7 hotline (1348) remains open for complaints, which are referred to the Department of Foreign Affairs for immediate rescue operations. 'We've provided all victims with AKSYON Fund assistance, and we're committed to expanding cooperation with IACAT and other agencies to stop illegal recruitment,' he added.
