Latest news with #DepartmentofMigrantWorkers
Filipino Times
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Qatari, Philippine officials meet in Doha to boost labor cooperation, OFW protection
Philippine and Qatari officials held a meeting in Doha on Tuesday to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation on labor-related concerns, including the protection of overseas Filipino workers. Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Undersecretary Jainal Rasul Jr. paid a courtesy call to Her Excellency Sheikha Najwa bint Abdulrahman Al Thani, Undersecretary of Qatar's Ministry of Labor, to discuss ongoing efforts to improve bilateral labor relations. They were joined by Philippine Ambassador to Qatar His Excellency Mardomel Celo Melicor, Assistant Secretary Venecio Legaspi, Vice Consul Jeffrey Batac, and Labor Attaché Eduard Ferrer. Photo courtesy: DMW/FB 'The two sides exchanged views on issues of mutual concern, including mechanisms for the protection of workers, facilitation of high-level dialogues, and other ways to enhance cooperation in the field of labor,' the Philippine Embassy in Qatar wrote on Facebook. The meeting also covered preparations for a ministerial-level gathering set later this year, where labor officials from both sides will further tackle concerns affecting OFWs in Qatar. The DMW team is in Doha ahead of the 'Bagong Bayani ng Mundo OFW Serbisyo Caravan' on July 25, which brings together 12 Philippine agencies in one venue at Philippine School Doha to provide essential government services to Filipinos in the host country.
Filipino Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Filipino Times
PH, Micronesia strengthen labor ties with pact ensuring rights and protections for OFWs
The Philippines and the Federated States of Micronesia have signed a joint declaration of intent (JDI) to strengthen labor cooperation and ensure the protection and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Oceanian region. The agreement was signed by Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and Micronesia's Justice Secretary and Attorney General Leonito Bacalando Jr. According to the DMW, the JDI highlights both countries' commitment to fair, ethical, and sustainable labor practices. It guarantees labor rights and social protection for OFWs, including equal access to employment benefits and social security systems similar to those received by local workers in Micronesia. 'This is a great step forward, the signing. Filipino contributions are valuable to our nation's development,' said Bacalando. The agreement also paves the way for the deployment of more Filipino workers in Micronesia's key sectors such as construction, healthcare, education, and services. Skills certification and job matching will be facilitated through a partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). A total of 1,891 OFWs were deployed to Micronesia between 2015 and 2024. The declaration also includes provisions to strengthen cooperation in addressing irregular migration. Both countries committed to enhanced measures to combat illegal recruitment, human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and document fraud. 'We will continue working towards a full memorandum of understanding (MOU) that guarantees safe and fair employment for our OFWs,' Cacdac said in a statement.
Filipino Times
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Filipino Times
LTO brings online license renewal to OFWs in Japan after Taiwan success
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has launched the second phase of its online driver's license renewal caravan for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), this time in Japan. LTO Acting Assistant Secretary Atty. Greg Pua Jr. said the initiative—coordinated with the Department of Migrant Workers, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Department of Labor and Employment—follows the successful rollout in Taiwan last year, where over 1,000 OFWs were assisted. Pua expects a similar turnout in Japan. The caravan includes information campaigns to help OFWs learn to use the online renewal platform. He also said the event serves as a live testing ground to resolve technical issues based on user feedback. To renew online, OFWs need a scanned copy of their expiring or recently expired license and a medical certificate from an LTO-accredited telemedical provider. A stable internet connection and smartphone are needed for the process, though Pua recommends using a tablet or laptop for telemedical exams. After payment, licenses will be printed and delivered to Japan via courier within three to five days. As part of the Bagong Pilipinas initiative, LTO plans to expand the program to OFWs in the Middle East, the U.S., and Europe.
Filipino Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Filipino Times
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos makes historic visit to Bahay Kalinga in Riyadh
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos made a historic first visit to Bahay Kalinga in Riyadh, personally meeting distressed Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), mothers, and children awaiting repatriation. During the emotional gathering, she announced that their long-awaited return to the Philippines had been secured, drawing tears, applause, and relief. The repatriation of 43 OFWs and 8 children, including those with medical needs, was facilitated by the Department of Migrant Workers, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and Department of Social Welfare and Development under President Bongbong Marcos' directive. Each repatriate received financial and reintegration aid, travel essentials, and support for onward transportation. One returnee, Ana M. Dimalen, expressed gratitude: 'Pumunta po si FL sa shelter. Tuwang-tuwa po kami kasi nakita po namin siya ng personal at nagpapasalamat kami kay PBBM at natulungan nila kami makauwi sa Pilipinas.' The First Lady also attended the Bagong Bayani ng Mundo Serbisyo Caravan, which gathered government agencies in one venue to provide on-site services for OFWs in Saudi Arabia. Her visit concluded with the Serbisyong May Saya event, celebrating the resilience and unity of migrant workers. OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan called the visit 'a mother's embrace,' reminding OFWs they are never alone and reaffirming the government's commitment to genuine, heartfelt service for Filipinos abroad.
Filipino Times
4 days ago
- General
- Filipino Times
43 OFWs, including eight children, return home from Riyadh
After working in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for several years, 43 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs)—including eight children—returned home to the Philippines on July 19 under the government's voluntary repatriation program. Among them were 10 men from Bahay Kalinga 3 (Male Shelter), 25 women, and eight children from Bahay Kalinga 2 (Mother and Child Shelter). Four of the repatriates had medical conditions and were provided with appropriate assistance. Carrying new luggage donated by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and financial aid from the Migrant Workers Office in Riyadh, the OFWs returned with joy, looking forward to reuniting with their families back home. They were accompanied to the airport by Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Undersecretaries Dominique Rubia-Tutay and Jainal T. Rasul, Assistant Secretary Venecio Legazpi, and Labor Attachés Dominador Salanga and Solaiman Mutia. In the Philippines, a 'whole-of-government' team is ready to receive and support them, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to ensure a smooth reintegration into their communities and families.
