Latest news with #HansLeoJ.Cacdac
GMA Network
3 days ago
- General
- GMA Network
OFW miscarries on Jeju Air flight
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) will be providing full assistance to an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who suffered a miscarriage during a flight to Incheon, South Korea. According to a statement from the DMW, the incident has been confirmed as an "in-flight miscarriage on Jeju Air" through coordination with the Philippine Embassy in Seoul. The woman was traveling with her husband, her mother-in-law, and her daughter from Clark International Airport to Saipan, with the flight making a layover at Incheon International Airport. Upon arrival in Incheon, a 911 rescue team immediately brought the OFW to INHA University Hospital in Incheon but the baby was declared dead on arrival. DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac said the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Seoul has already reached out to the woman, who is now reported to be in stable physical condition. The DMW is assisting the OFW with her hospital bills and providing other necessary medical support. The department is also coordinating with Incheon police for the autopsy and will arrange the immediate repatriation of the baby's remains. — Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/BM, GMA Integrated News
Filipino Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
DMW chief confirms removal of former OWWA administrator over unauthorized ₱1.4B land deal
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac confirmed the removal of former Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Arnell Ignacio, citing loss of trust and confidence over an alleged unauthorized ₱1.4 billion land acquisition deal. In an official statement, Secretary Cacdac clarified that Ignacio did not resign, but was removed from office due to serious procedural and substantive lapses related to the purchase of real property without the required approval of the OWWA Board of Trustees. Among the issues raised was the proposal to construct a halfway house for returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), which the Board could have advised against for being impractical and cost-inefficient, given that the private sector could offer more suitable accommodations. The conversion of ₱2.6 billion in emergency repatriation funds into capital outlay was also flagged, as such a move required Board approval under the OWWA Charter. Secretary Cacdac also cited the unauthorized signing of the Deed of Absolute Sale and a Deed of Donation involving the real property, both of which should have been approved by the Board. He questioned the execution of an addendum to the Deed of Absolute Sale to reimburse the seller for taxes, even though OWWA is exempt from such payments. The assumption of undisclosed lease contracts on the property, along with the collection of rental payments by a third party unaffiliated with OWWA, further complicated the transaction. Cacdac also revealed that a building covered by 52 condominium titles—previously included in the property's valuation—had been demolished without Board consent. Further compounding the irregularities, Cacdac said, was the failure of OWWA to gain full possession of the property despite full payment. He noted that the seller's attorney-in-fact had continued collecting lease payments after the sale, and had been entrusted with ₱36 million allegedly reimbursed for transfer taxes, and around ₱1.4 million in rental income—both highly questionable actions considering the property already belonged to the Republic of the Philippines. Cacdac assured the public that appropriate administrative and criminal cases will be filed against OWWA officers responsible for the anomalous transactions. The revelation comes as the agency, under new leadership, has pledged to strengthen public service with transparency, unity, and integrity.
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
- Health
- Filipino Times
DMW advises OFWs, families to stay healthy amid COVID-19 updates
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has reminded overseas Filipinos and their families to stay healthy and follow safety protocols amid rising COVID-19 cases in some parts of Southeast Asia. The advisory follows a statement from the Department of Health (DOH) on the COVID-19 cases in several countries in Southeast Asia. Although there is no cause for alarm, DMW emphasized the importance of preventive measures. 'We are just reiterating these health advisory reminders of the DOH, especially for our OFWs to take care of themselves, and to continue following their host countries' health and safety protocols,' said Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac. The Philippines recorded an 87 percent drop in COVID-19 cases and deaths as of May 3, 2025, compared to the same period last year. This year, only 1,774 cases were reported, down from 14,074 cases in 2024. Despite the decline, the DOH remains in close coordination with Southeast Asian countries to monitor the situation and maintain readiness. The DMW urged everyone to continue wearing masks in healthcare facilities, stay home when sick, cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing, wash hands regularly, and consult a doctor if symptoms appear. DMW Migrant Workers Offices in the region are also ready to assist with urgent concerns and provide necessary support to overseas Filipinos in need.
Filipino Times
03-05-2025
- Health
- Filipino Times
OFW Hospital celebrates 3rd year: ‘Heroes treating heroes' in service of Filipino migrants
The OFW Hospital commemorated its third founding anniversary with a tribute to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and healthcare workers, celebrating a shared commitment to service and resilience under the theme 'Tatlong Taong Serbisyo Alay ng Kawaning Pangkalusugan sa mga Bagong Bayani.' Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac led the celebration, honoring the 198 staff members and contract service workers for their role in providing compassionate care to OFWs and their families. 'Ang karangalan ay para kay Doc Cocoy at sa lahat ng staff. Kung hindi dahil sa suporta ng DBM, hindi po ganito kaganda ang OFW Hospital,' Cacdac said. He also recognized former OFWs now serving as hospital staff: 'We know we are in good hands—these professionals have walked the same path as our patients.' 'Pinagtagpo namin ang original heroes and the modern-day heroes; heroes treating heroes,' he added. Department of Budget and Management Undersecretary Goddes Hope Libiran reaffirmed government support, saying the hospital is a 'concrete symbol' of the state's compassion for OFWs. 'True public service means putting people first,' she said. OFW Hospital OIC Chief Dr. Patrick Louie Maglaya opened the program by recognizing every team member—from administrators to guards—for 'showing up and making a difference.' The celebration also showcased medical services rendered that day, including dialysis surgeries and pharmacy operations. The hospital's long-term plans were also highlighted, including upgrading to a Level 2 classification and establishing specialized facilities like a Cancer Care Unit and a Pre-Employment Medical Examination (PEME) Center for land- and sea-based workers. PGH Director Dr. Gerardo 'Gap' Legazpi and DMW Undersecretary Dominique 'Nikki' Rubia-Tutay were recognized for their foundational roles in the hospital's development. Secretary Cacdac underscored the continuing collaboration among DMW, DBM, and the Department of Health to ensure a future-ready, high-quality healthcare institution: 'We are not just building structures; we are nurturing hope and healing for our modern-day heroes and their families.' The event also honored OFWs and seafarers with deep personal ties to overseas work, alongside health professionals and partner agencies who played key roles in the hospital's journey. Their presence added a heartfelt layer to the celebration. In his closing remarks, Secretary Cacdac affirmed the DMW's commitment to healthcare for all OFWs: 'Walang OFW at OFW family na maiiwan.'
