Latest news with #OFWSerbisyoCaravan
Filipino Times
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Filipino Times
OFW Serbisyo Caravan Brings Government Help to Jeddah
The Bagong Pilipinas whole-of-government team successfully delivered essential and timely services to over 500 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Middle East during the first day of the 'Bagong Bayani ng Mundo: OFW Serbisyo Caravan' held at Ladunna Hall in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on August 8, 2025. Led by Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Assistant Secretary for Reintegration Atty. Francis Ron C. De Guzman, the event gathered multiple government agencies—including OWWA, PAO, DSWD, SSS, PSA, LandBank, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG Fund—to provide a one-stop shop of assistance. To ensure smooth operations, the DMW-Migrant Workers Office in Jeddah used QR code pre-registration, distributed participant checklists, organized event space by sections, and enlisted OFW volunteers as guides. A total of 525 OFWs availed services on the first day, with more expected on the second day. De Guzman emphasized that the caravan is part of the DMW's commitment to consistently serve OFWs, saying, 'Kami po ay palagiang babalik… laging nakabukas ang mga opisina para patuloy na makapagserbisyo.' The OFW Serbisyo Caravan, a flagship DMW program, offers services such as membership registration, renewal of documents, legal aid, financial and psychosocial support, and reintegration assistance.
Gulf Today
2 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
‘OFW Serbisyo Caravan' records 11,383 transactions in the UAE
A government-led comprehensive caravan for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), piloted in three key cities in Saudi Arabia from July 18; and, which earned a barrage of complaints from distraught OFWs in the UAE – where 11,383 total transactions were recorded – shall definitely be improved. Data furnished Gulf Today showed that the two-phased six-day 'OFW Serbisyo Caravan' in the UAE, served 992 clients during the July 28 to 30 Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) outreach programme held at the Migrant Workers Office-Dubai (MWO-Dubai). Of this, 25 were membership registrations; 69 membership amendments; 683 document issuance/printing including identification cards and Membership Data Records; and 215 enquiries/verifications. On August 3, from Hall 8 and Rashid Hall of the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and from August 4 and 5 at the MWO-Dubai – because of the unexpected influx of OFWs at the original Hall 8 venue – the agency that rendered the most number of services was the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), an attached office of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). DMW is the main implementor of the Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Administration's 'Serbisyo Caravan,' aimed at primarily serving densely-populated OFW countries. OWWA recorded 1,492 membership enrollments; 815 electronic cards issuance; 2,371 processed e-cards online; and 13 welfare assistance for a total of 4,691. From the Social Security System (SSS): 2,798 with 2,574 enquiries/verifications; 11 each for pensioner services and registration of new SSS number; 94 My SSS online services; and 108 Pension Booster. From MWO-Dubai: 1,353 job contract verifications but only 1,215 were approved as the 138 'processed' were 'disapproved' or marked with 'pending compliance decision,' and 17 labour-related Assistance-to-Nationals cases. From the Philippine Statistics Authority: 555 broken down as 355 National Identification Card applications/printing; 198 civil registration services; and two registration status enquiries. From the Public Attorney's Office, the independent quasi-legal body attached to the Department of Justice: 330 clove into 64 free legal assistance and 266 legal information dissemination. From the PagIBIG (Home Mutual Development) Fund: 281 encompassing new membership registration, membership verification/updating, PagIBIG Mode 2 enrollment, virtual assistance, housing loan enquiry/consultation, and multi-purpose loan application. From the Department of Social Welfare and Development: 205, ranging from 34 crisis assistance; 36 minors travelling abroad; 64 sustainable livelihood programme consultations; 27 social pension/solo parents welfare requests; six mental health & psychosocial support; five psychosocial counselling; 15 child custody cases; and 18 other programmes. From the Department of Trade and Industry/Philippine Trade and Investment Centre-Dubai: 113 with 52 interested in franchising opportunities; 26 business and financial literacy programmes; and nine small group corporation loan assistance. From the Philippine Consulate General-Dubai: 74 consultations and processing surrounding legal capacity to contract marriage, affidavit, and report of birth. On the social media bamboozle that continued for three days, arising from the rage of the OFWs, Labour Attache in Dubai and the Northern Emirates John Rio Bautista said: 'Post underestimated the crowd. We were only expecting 2,000. Based on special services rendered in the past, only 50 per cent of the pre-registered appeared on the actual days.' By 10:30am on August 3, the Rashid Hall was opened. That was after the One Philippines Team led by Ambassador to the UAE Alfonso Ferdinand Ver and visiting OWWA chief Atty. Patricia Yvonne Caunan, consulted with the DWTC management, Community Development Authority-Dubai (CDA-Dubai) and Dubai Police. A volunteer from Filipino Social Club, the organisation accredited by both the Philippine Government and the UAE through CDA-Dubai, confirmed that food and drinks were distributed: 'But, many were enraged. They said they deserved much better than the burgers, bread and drinks because they are OFWs.' Bautista said the last served on August 3 was done with at 1:45am, 'the following day.' On the lessons learnt, Bautista said: 'It is crucial to set the limit by requiring pre-registration per individual agency's set limit.' He recommended for 'longer caravan schedules.' Through a press release, DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac apologised. He vowed for more enhanced digitalisation procedures, which MWO-Dubai pilot-tested a few years back, and improved last month.
Filipino Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Filipino Times
DMW vows to digitalize, adopt hybrid setup for future Serbisyo Caravans after overwhelming turnout in Dubai
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac has vowed a more efficient and digitalized rollout of the OFW Serbisyo Caravan, after an overwhelming turnout in Dubai left some attendees unserved. In a news release, Cacdac acknowledged the difficulties faced during the Bagong Bayani ng Mundo – OFW Serbisyo Caravan held at the Dubai World Trade Center on August 3, where close to 12,000 government transactions were recorded amid a surge of OFW attendees. 'We apologize to those who were not served on that day. But rest assured, we will be back in more ways than one—we will sharpen our digitalization efforts,' said Cacdac. 'We vow, na sa susunod na round, lalo na sa Dubai, we will have a hybrid part two, where processes are digitalized. And this will be the general trend for our future caravans starting sa pagbabalik natin sa Dubai,' he added. Following the incident, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is preparing to implement a hybrid service model in future caravans, one that integrates digital platforms with on-site services to reach more Filipinos. Cacdac said that while digital transformation is key, the DMW recognizes that not all services can be conducted online, particularly those that require physical presence. 'While we pursue online solutions such as dataflow systems and partnerships with firms like VFS, we also recognize the indispensable role of in-person services, particularly for biometric-based processes like national ID registration and legal document issuance through the Public Attorney's Office (PAO),' he explained. Dataflow systems are being explored to fast-track applications by digitizing and verifying submitted documents online. Partnerships with firms such as VFS Global, which manages application and appointment systems for various government and visa services, are also part of the plan to streamline operations abroad. Services in high demand The one-day caravan in Dubai served a total of 5,928 Filipinos and completed 11,569 government transactions. Among the most requested services included OWWA membership and renewal, E-card issuance, registration for the national ID through PSA, document requests, contribution payments to PhilHealth and SSS, and applications for MP2 savings under Pag-IBIG. Due to the overwhelming number of e-Card requests, OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan announced that the OFW e-card printer used during the event will remain at the Migrant Workers Office in Dubai, allowing Filipino residents to continue availing the service even after the caravan's conclusion.
Filipino Times
31-07-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
OFW e-Card, National ID, and more: Here are the services available at one-stop Serbisyo Caravan in Dubai
For many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), getting things done with multiple government agencies often means long waits, multiple appointments, or even having to fly home just to process one document. But this August, the Philippine government is bringing services directly to the Filipino community in Dubai through the Bagong Bayani ng Mundo: OFW Serbisyo Caravan. Organized by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) through the Migrant Workers Office – Dubai (MWO Dubai), the caravan is an inter-agency outreach initiative designed as a one-stop campaign to reintroduce various government services and make them more accessible to OFWs and their families. The OFW Serbisyo Caravan will take place on August 3, Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the Exhibition Hall 8 of Dubai World Trade Center. The event is held in collaboration with the Filipino Social Club (FilSoc). No pre-registration is required. Below is a list of participating agencies and the services they will offer: PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY (PSA) PSA will provide civil registry documents and assist with National ID registration and printing. Services: Issuance of certified true copies of: Birth, Marriage, and Death Certificates CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage) CENODeath (Certificate of No Death Record) Fees (approximate): PHP 155 – Birth, Marriage, or Death Certificate PHP 210 – CENOMAR or CENODeath Payment Methods: Philippine Peso Cashless payments via GCash or Maya Additional Services: National ID registration Registration status checking Issuance of printed paper National ID Access to Digital National ID via the eGovPH app For the list of requirements, visit: PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL – DUBAI The consulate will be present to provide core consular services for Filipinos in the UAE (e.g., passport, notarial, and authentication services). MIGRANT WORKERS OFFICE – DUBAI (MWO Dubai) MWO will assist with contract verification concerns and provide assistance to nationals. OVERSEAS WORKERS WELFARE ADMINISTRATION (OWWA) OWWA will handle membership concerns and provide support for OFWs in need of welfare assistance. OWWA membership Issuance of OFW e-Card Acceptance of applications for Welfare Assistance Program (WAP) Welfare and other assistance DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY – PTIC Dubai DTI will support OFWs planning to start or expand their businesses through franchising and financial programs. Services: Franchising opportunities Business and financial literacy programs Loan assistance via SB Corp Loan Details: Qualified borrowers: OFW returnees, families, endorsed franchisees OFW returnees, families, endorsed franchisees Loanable amount: Up to 80% of total investment (maximum PHP 20 million) Up to 80% of total investment (maximum PHP 20 million) Interest rate: 0% for the first year, 1% per month thereafter 0% for the first year, 1% per month thereafter Term: Up to 3 years Up to 3 years Grace period: 1 year (inclusive in the term) Documentary Requirements: Government-issued ID Mayor's Business Permit DTI or SEC Registration Proof of Bank Account Reference codes from SBCorp's franchise association (if applicable) Corporate documents (if applicable) DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT (DSWD) DSWD will offer on-site counseling and support programs for OFWs and their families. Services: Information desk on DSWD programs and services for OFWs Psychosocial counseling Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) Sustainable Livelihood Program Assistance to solo parents, minors traveling abroad, and trafficked persons SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM (SSS) SSS will assist members with benefit applications, data updates, and online access. Services: Inquiries and verification Acceptance of Member Data Change Annual Confirmation of Pensioner (ACOP) Assistance on online services Benefits and Loans: Retirement Death Funeral Disability Sickness Maternity Unemployment Salary Loan Calamity Loan Pension Loan PAG-IBIG FUND Pag-IBIG will assist members with savings programs, loan applications, and housing-related services. Services: New member registration Membership, records, and account services Modified PAG-IBIG II (MP2) enrollment Housing loan consultation and inquiry Receiving of Multi-Purpose Loan applications PUBLIC ATTORNEY'S OFFICE (PAO) PAO will offer free legal advice and assistance for those who qualify under their services. Services: Legal representation and counselling in: Criminal cases Civil cases Labor cases Administrative cases Quasi-judicial matters If you're an OFW in Dubai looking to update your records, seek legal assistance, apply for a loan, or avail of any government program, this is your chance to do it all in one place, in one day. Be sure to bring the necessary documents and visit the Dubai World Trade Center on August 3, 2025.
Filipino Times
31-07-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
Apply for OWWA membership, e-Card, and other services at Serbisyo Caravan in Dubai
Need to apply for OWWA membership or request an e-Card? Filipino workers in the UAE can access these services and more during the OFW Serbisyo Caravan on August 3, at Exhibition Hall 8 of the Dubai World Trade Center. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) will be on site to process membership applications and renewals, issue OFW e-Cards, and accept requests for various assistance programs. OWWA membership costs $25 or its local currency equivalent (around AED 91) and is valid for two years. It grants access to OWWA's full range of benefits, including medical and financial assistance, legal support, repatriation aid, and training or livelihood opportunities for family members. Active members may also receive an official government-issued ID, the OWWA OFW e-Card, which serves as proof of membership and allows easier transactions with OWWA and other government agencies. Workers not covered by other medical programs may apply for the Welfare Assistance Program, which offers financial aid for hospitalization, procedures, or medicine expenses. Legal support, psychosocial counseling, jail or hospital visitations, and repatriation assistance are also among the welfare services offered. These services are part of the Department of Migrant Workers' Bagong Bayani ng Mundo: OFW Serbisyo Caravan, an outreach initiative designed to make government support more accessible to Filipinos living and working abroad in one venue.
