Latest news with #BernardP.Olalia
Filipino Times
03-06-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
DMW celebrates 30 years of honoring OFWs, reaffirms pledge to safeguard rights and opportunities
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) paid tribute to the resilience and dedication of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as it marked the 30th Migrant Workers Day, reaffirming its commitment to enhancing opportunities and protection for OFWs and their families, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive. During the kick-off ceremony, DMW Officer-in-Charge Undersecretary Bernard P. Olalia emphasized that the celebration is not only a reflection on the past three decades but also a strong affirmation of the agency's continued promise to serve OFWs more efficiently and compassionately. 'This occasion is both a look back on 30 years of service and a renewed commitment to deliver faster, more heartfelt service to every OFW,' Olalia said. The weeklong celebration, leading up to Migrant Workers Day, features a wide array of activities meant to honor OFWs, recognized as modern-day heroes for their critical contributions to the development of both the Philippines and their host countries. Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) Secretary Dante 'Klink' Ang II, the event's guest of honor, highlighted the importance of a collaborative approach in serving overseas Filipinos. He referenced key government efforts such as the Interagency Council Against Trafficking and the Interagency Council on the Rights of Overseas Filipinos as vital to improving safety and services for Filipinos abroad. Ang also acknowledged the bravery of OFWs and introduced Philippine Schools Overseas (PSOs), which serve Filipino communities abroad by promoting diaspora engagement and empowering migrants and their families. The celebration began with the launch of a photo exhibit showcasing 30 years of labor migration milestones, alongside events such as the National Reintegration Network Serbisyo Fair and the Balikbayan Bazaar. Health services, wellness programs, and entertainment activities will be held at the DMW Central Office in Mandaluyong and at all regional and overseas offices throughout the week. Migrant Workers Day, celebrated every June 7 under Republic Act No. 8042, honors the enduring sacrifices and achievements of OFWs. The DMW encourages all OFWs and their families to participate and benefit from the free services and events happening from June 2 to 7.
Filipino Times
03-06-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
DMW launches ‘one-stop' reintegration fair for OFWs and families
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), in collaboration with key government agencies, officially launched the National Reintegration Network (NRN) Serbisyo Fair to provide comprehensive reintegration services for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families, all in one location. Held on June 2, 2025, at the BPO Building Canopy in Mandaluyong City, the fair was opened by DMW Officer-in-Charge Secretary Bernard P. Olalia, Commission on Filipinos Overseas Secretary Dante 'Klink' Ang II, OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan, and senior DMW officials. The launch is part of the weeklong celebration of the 30th Migrant Workers' Day, running from June 2 to 7. The NRN Serbisyo Fair supports the government's Full-Cycle National Reintegration Program, led by the DMW's National Reintegration Center for OFWs. It aims to streamline reintegration efforts by bringing essential services directly to returning OFWs and their families. Among the services offered at the fair are on-site assistance, livelihood opportunities, and information booths from key partner agencies, including OWWA, the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), PhilHealth, PAG-IBIG Fund, and Philippine Pharma Procurement Inc. (PPPI).
Filipino Times
09-03-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
DMW vows to expose illegal POGO hub recruiters targeting Filipinos
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is committed to identifying those responsible for the illegal recruitment of Filipinos, who were promised good job opportunities but were instead trafficked to POGO-like hubs in Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia. 'We are determined to get to the bottom of this issue and identify those behind these illegal recruitment operations,' said Atty. Bernard P. Olalia, Undersecretary for Licensing and Adjudication Services. He added that the DMW aims to ensure that the practices leading workers into illegal migration routes are stopped. Following the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to safeguard migrant workers, Usec. Olalia assured that criminal cases will be filed against those responsible once the recruiters are identified. The DMW has already implemented a system to address trafficking, which includes deploying a labor attaché in Thailand to coordinate with local authorities and working closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT). Recently, 12 victims of trafficking from Myanmar were repatriated to the Philippines and provided financial aid through the Aksyon Fund, along with other support services. Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac revealed that one of the repatriated individuals was, in fact, an illegal recruiter who had posed as a distressed OFW. The individual was immediately arrested and is now under investigation. This case highlights the tactic used by illegal recruiters to pose as trafficking victims and travel with legitimate workers during repatriation. Cacdac reminded the public to be cautious of online recruitment schemes, emphasizing that legitimate recruitment agencies always have physical offices. Olalia also mentioned that other OFWs in Thailand are awaiting repatriation, with many still processing their documents after escaping their employers and abandoning their visas and passports. The DMW remains ready to assist trafficking victims and urges the public to stay alert and verify job offers and recruitment agencies. Those who have fallen victim to illegal recruitment or trafficking are encouraged to report to the DMW for support.
