Latest news with #OverseasWorkersWelfareAdministration
Filipino Times
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Services for OFWs to remain uninterrupted amid gov't revamp
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has assured overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families that all programs and services will remain uninterrupted despite the courtesy resignation of Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac. Cacdac stepped down in compliance with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s call for a recalibration of government leadership and operations. It remains unclear, however, whether he will be replaced. In a statement, the DMW stressed that the department—along with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Migrant Workers Offices (MWOs), and Regional Offices—remains fully committed to delivering better, faster, and more responsive services for OFWs and their families. The department noted that this continued commitment aligns with the administration's push for a more focused and performance-driven approach to governance, particularly in addressing the country's most urgent needs. 'With the guidance and full support of the President, the DMW reaffirms its mission to create an environment where OFWs and their families are valued, protected, and empowered,' the statement read. The department also reiterated its pledge to enhance the quality, accessibility, and impact of its services, ensuring the comfort, security, and success of Filipino migrant workers both at home and abroad.
GMA Network
21-05-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
OWWA exec sacked over 'anomalous' land acquisition deal — Palace
Malacañang said Wednesday that Overseas Workers Welfare Administration deputy administrator Emma Sinclair was also removed from her post over the alleged anomalous land acquisition deal entered into by former OWWA administration Arnell Ignacio. This was disclosed by Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro during a press briefing. Castro said Sinclair was sacked from her post due to loss of trust and confidence in relation to the P1.4 billion land acquisition deal. ''Maliban po diyan, mayroon pa pong isa na makakasama, ang deputy [administrator] na si Emma Sinclair, pareho po silang tinanggal. Hindi po sila pinagresign,'' Castro said. (Aside from [Arnell Ignacio], there is another one, Deputy Administrator Emma Sinclair. Both were fired, they were not asked to resign.) Castro said this should serve as a warning to all public servants that they will all be fired if they do not fulfill their duties to the public. Ignacio earlier said he will speak at the proper forum. GMA News Online has reached out to Sinclair for her side but she has yet to reply as of posting time. The Department of Migrant Workers earlier said it is gathering more information about the anomalous deal, which was supposedly not authorized by the OWWA board, before filing appropriate cases against those involved. The P1.4-billion land purchase deal under Ignacio's leadership was supposed to be for a halfway house or dormitory-type accommodation of overseas Filipino workers to be located near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1, OWWA administrator Patricia Yvonne "PJ" Caunan. The DMW is still reviewing whether the project should push through or not, Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News
Daily Tribune
16-05-2025
- General
- Daily Tribune
38 Filipinos take part in baking skills training sessions
Thirty-eight Filipinos are participating in a two-Friday baking skills training initiative hosted by the Philippine Embassy in Manama, as part of the 43rd anniversary celebrations of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). The training sessions, scheduled for May 9 and May 23 at the embassy premises in Adliya, are being jointly organized by the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) and community group Pinay Ikaw Na (PIN). The initiative aims to equip overseas Filipinos with practical skills and foster a stronger sense of community. Among the attendees is 37-year-old Francis Llaneta, a massage therapist who traveled from Malkiya to join the first session. 'I participated in the training because it presented an opportunity for me to enhance my skills, which I aspire to apply upon my return home,' said Llaneta, who has been residing in Bahrain for over two years, working as a massage therapist. Participants come from diverse professional backgrounds, including domestic helpers, nurses, receptionists, and sales personnel. The course covers fundamental baking techniques, essential recipes, and expert tips for creating a variety of confections. Sessions are led by professional baking instructor and entrepreneur Ivy Ancheta of IVBakes, who generously shared her expertise with the group. 'This baking training offers the participants a chance not only to learn a valuable skill, but also to network with fellow Filipinos and build a sense of community,' said Dinah Sta. Ana, president of PIN.
Filipino Times
16-05-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
Caunan replaces Ignacio as OWWA chief
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Patricia Yvonne Caunan as the new administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), replacing Arnell Ignacio. Caunan took her oath of office before Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac on Friday. She was former undersecretary for policy and international cooperation at the Department of Migrant Workers, having held the position since August 2022. During her tenure, she helped negotiate and finalize 15 bilateral labor migration agreements aimed at enhancing the protection and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). 'Each agreement is aimed at strengthening the protection and welfare of overseas Filipino workers in partner countries, including Canada, Austria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Finland, Denmark, Singapore, Croatia, Slovenia, and Kuwait,' the Palace said in a statement. Malacañang did not provide an explanation for Ignacio's replacement. Caunan previously led a law firm specializing in labor, civil, administrative, and criminal law.
GMA Network
16-05-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
DMW chief Cacdac says ex-OWWA admin Ignacio removed
'Former administrator Ignacio did not resign from office. He was removed and replaced on the count of loss of trust and confidence Former Overseas Workers Welfare Administration administrator Arnell Ignacop was removed from his post due to loss of trust and confidence, Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac said on Friday. Cacdac referred to a P1.4-billion land acquisition deal that the OWWA board didn't authorize. 'Former administrator Ignacio did not resign from office. He was removed and replaced on the count of loss of trust and confidence due to an anomalous P1.4 billion land acquisition deal that did not go through the OWWA Board of Trustees on at least six counts,' Cacdac told GMA News Online. GMA News Online has reached Ignacio for comment on the matter, but he has yet to reply as of posting time. His comment will be published as soon as it is available. Cacdac said the law required that the deal be approved and authorized by the board. 'He did not... inform the Board on at least six counts, on six matters, surrounding the P1.4 land acquisition deal,' Cacdac said. The land acquisition deal was supposed to be for the accommodation of overseas Filipino workers, which, for Cacdac, was unnecessary. 'Dapat kinonsulta muna niya ang OWWA Board doon pa lang kasi ako mismo, pagsasabihan ko siya na di kailangan 'yun because the private sector can secure mga accommodation requirements kung mayroong kailangang i-billet na OFWs,' Cacdac said. Cacdac said the agreement was entered into last September 2024. 'Pero 'yung proyekto that spurred or brought on the land acquisition deal dates back to September 2023. Pinlano na nila noong September 2023, and then 'yung land acquisition, deed of sale, absolute sale, September 2024,' he said. Asked if Ignacio would face charges over this matter, Cacdac answered in the affirmative, saying President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. had already been informed. 'Yes. I report it to the President and yes there will be corresponding case to be filed in the appropriate office or authority,' Cacdac said. Ignacio was replaced by DMW Undersecretary Patricia Caunan. –NB, GMA Integrated News
