Latest news with #MWO
Filipino Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Filipino Times
Philippine Labor Officials Visit Lithuanian Companies Amid OFW Hiring Boom
Philippine labor officials from the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) based in Prague, led by Labor Attaché Llewelyn Perez, recently conducted an inspection and outreach visit to employers of Filipino workers across Lithuania. The mission included site visits in Klaipėda, Tauragė, and Utena, where Filipino manpower continues to be in high demand. In Klaipėda, the delegation visited RNDV, one of the Baltic region's largest shipbuilding firms, which currently employs 300 OFWs. The team toured its modern training facility for new recruits in welding, electrical, and cable-related work, and also engaged with newly arrived workers. The visit in Tauragė included discussions with Darbo Turas, a recruitment agency known for sourcing skilled labor for top-tier clients. In Utena, they met with UAB Biovela, a meat supplier and recent gold medalist at the 2024 World Steak Challenge. Biovela currently employs 30 OFWs and plans to expand hiring, citing the excellent work ethic of Filipino workers. MWO emphasized the importance of safe and legal overseas employment, and encouraged aspiring OFWs to transact only with licensed recruitment agencies with approved job orders listed on the Department of Migrant Workers' official website.
Gulf Today
23-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Caravan invites Filipinos to avail government services
The UAE, host to the second largest overseas Filipino contract workers worldwide – nearly one million – is the second leg of a comprehensive service caravan began in Saudi Arabia last week. 'The Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) Serbisyo Caravan,' according to Philippine Labour Attache in Dubai and the Northern Emirates John Rio Bautista, welcomes all Filipinos from all over the UAE, who wish to avail of basic and special government services. However, unlike the caravan in Saudi Arabia that commenced in the capital of Riyadh and extended to Jeddah and Alkhobar, the UAE edition shall only take place in Dubai. On July 28 to 30 (Monday to Wednesday) and at the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Al Qusais – formerly the Philippine Overseas Labour Office-Dubai – will be the first-time enrollment as well as the reactivation or renewal of memberships at the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhillHealth), the government-owned and controlled corporation set up in 1995 to manage the universal health coverage, officially known as the National Health Insurance Programme for all Filipinos. Applicants are advised to pre-register through the QR code available over the MWO-Dubai website. Aside from the enrollment, reactivation and renewal of membership, offered as well concern receipt of claims documents, issuance of PhilHealth identification cards and Member Data Records. Questions on membership, premium contribution and benefits will be entertained, according to a copy of the MWO Dubai Advisory No. 21-A Series of 2025 – 'Availability of PhilHealth Services' – furnished Gulf Today and available to the public over the MWO-Dubai website. Wide-ranging as conceptualised, even as free legal assistance, financial literacy sessions, job contract verification, and passporting have been part and parcel of organised One Philippines Team periodic outreach activities, psychosocial consultation, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) electronic-card processing, national identification registration, livelihood and reintegration programmes, and business support assistance shall also be available on August 3 (Sunday) at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Participating agencies are the Department of Social Welfare and Development; PagIBIG (Home Development Mutual Fund); Public Attorney's Office, the independent body attached to the Department of Justice; Philippine Statistics Authority; Social Security System; Department of Trade and Industry-Philippine Trade and Investment Centre (Dubai); OWWA (Dubai); MWO (Dubai); and the Philippine Consulate General (Dubai). There is no required pre-registration. The interested are requested to review the official websites of the participating offices so they are properly informed on what documents and papers to bring such as their Philippine passports (original and copy) and other Philippine Government-issued identification cards. 'Unfortunately, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos will not be able to join the Dubai Leg,' Atty. Bautista said. He was asked about Araneta-Marcos who arrived in Riyadh last Friday to participate at the inauguration of the outreach programme for OFWS by the Ferdinand 'BongBong' Marcos Jr. Administration. Qatar was reported to be the third leg. On the purpose of the outreach programme, the main implementer of which is the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Bautista said: 'It is the mandate of the DMW to protect the rights and promote the welfare of OFWs. As part of its commitment, the DMW takes the lead in this inter-agency effort to reintroduce various government programmes and services through this one-stop shop OFW Serbisyo Caravan.' 'It is to provide easy access to government services, deliver information sessions and offer support channels to all OFWs and their families,' Bautista added. 'The Serbisyo Caravan ensures that under the Bagong Pilipinas administration, OFWs are provided with all available services and programmes within their reach to honour their sacrifices as the country's modern-day heroes,' according to the Philippine News Agency.
The Star
18-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
STRENGTHENING WORKERS' RIGHTS, ENHANCING PRODUCTIVITY
Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia is firmly on track to building a more progressive and equitable labour market. 2025 marks the implementation of two key initiatives – the new Minimum Wage Order (MWO) and the Progressive Wage Policy (PWP) – aimed at strengthening workers' rights, boosting labour productivity and fostering a more inclusive and sustainable national economy. Progressive wages The MWO came into effect on Feb 1 for employers with five or more employees, as well as for employers in the professional sector regardless of employee count. 'For employers with fewer than five employees, the effective date is Aug 1, a move that will ensure workers receive a minimum basic wage of RM1,700 per month, in line with the rising cost of living,' says Human Resources Minister Steven Sim recently. 'The government introduced PWP as a comprehensive, long-term measure that takes a productivity-based approach. It links wage growth to skills development and employee contributions,' he continues. Formally implemented in January this year, the policy follows a pilot phase held between June and August last year. This shows a shift in strategy during the 12th Malaysia Plan Mid-Term Review, to raise wages and ensure a balanced income distribution. Opportunity in both ways The PWP is guided by three main principles: voluntary participation, incentive-based structure and a strong link to productivity. Registered local companies will receive monthly cash incentives up to RM300 per employee once registered until December 2027, depending on the employee category and wage increment achieved. Entry-level workers will receive a maximum incentive of RM200 per month. If the wage gap between the employee's current salary and the entry-level wage specified in the PWP Implementation Guideline exceeds RM200 per month, employers must raise wages by at least RM200. If the gap is less than RM200, the wage increase must be aligned with the guideline's recommendation. Non-entry level employees can fetch incentives up to RM300, based on their annual wage increment achieved. Employers must meet minimum 21 hours per year training requirements as one of the prerequisites for PWP incentive claims. However, 21 hours training that were not completed in 2025 can carry forward until December 2026. This allows employees to complete a minimum of 42 hours in 2026, or have undergone Recognition of Prior Achievement (RPA). In 2027, employees should have a minimum of 21 hours, or completion of RPA, which allows them to upskill and become more competitive. Employers will benefit from a more capable and productive workforce. Strategic investment 'PWP represents a smart long-term investment for employers. Besides the financial incentives, it helps companies boost operational efficiency by building a more skilled and motivated workforce,' explains Sim. Participating companies will also be recognised as Progressive Wage Employers – a status that enhances the organisation's credibility and reputation among clients, employees and industry peers. 'This will be vital for local businesses and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which make up 97% of the country's industrial landscape, Through PWP, these businesses can strengthen their competitiveness while contributing to a more resilient and sustainable labour market,' he elaborates. Contributing to nation's growth In the macroeconomic viewpoint, PWP is expected to contribute significantly to national growth. Higher household incomes will stimulate domestic demand, which supports GDP growth. A fairer wage structure will attract higher-quality investments and reduce reliance on low-paid foreign labour. With an initial RM200mil allocation under Budget 2025, the PWP aims to benefit 50,000 workers in its initial phase. This could make Malaysia a high-income nation with the workforce as a key driver of progress, and toward a more progressive wage system. With fairer wages, the people's purchasing power increases, companies become more competitive and result in a more balanced, inclusive national economy. It will elevate Malaysia to the ranks of high-income nations that prioritise dignity, values and quality of life. As of July 2025, a total of 173,325 individuals have registered for the MADANI Workers' Card, with 147,534 completed applications submitted. And so far, 11,587 workers have successfully received their digital cards, while the rest are currently undergoing the verification process by their respective unions. Building the future today PWP also sends out a clear message that Malaysia's economic growth must be underpinned by a fair and forward-looking wage system, not just minimum wage compliance or periodic salary adjustments. 'Progressive Wages, Thriving Workers' is a call to value labour, not just as a source of productivity, but as a national asset for advancement. 'PWP is an opportunity for Malaysia to build a fairer work environment where businesses can grow alongside workers, and the economy to be more competitive,' stresses Sim. 'We encourage employers to join PWP, not just a social responsibility move, but a smart business strategy. Employees can also take this chance to embrace the upskilling opportunities provided. 'Only through strong collaboration between the public sector, the private and the workforce can the MADANI aspiration – of a values-based, socially just economy – be fully realised,' he says. Sim adds that a job that rewards fair wages restores not only income, but dignity and recognition for every worker. To learn more or to register for the PWP, visit:
Filipino Times
17-07-2025
- Filipino Times
8 Filipino Seafarers Attacked in Red Sea Return Safely Home, Gov't Extends Full Support
Eight Filipino seafarers from the MV Eternity C, who were caught in two Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea earlier this month, have arrived safely in the Philippines. They landed at NAIA Terminal 1 in Pasay City on July 16, 2025, via flight SV870. Their homecoming was facilitated through the coordinated efforts of various Philippine agencies, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive. The seafarers had been working on a Greek-managed cargo vessel when it was attacked on July 7 and 8. Support teams from the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah ensured their safety and immediate assistance prior to repatriation. The returning seafarers will receive financial aid, medical care, and reintegration support from the DMW's AKSYON Fund, OWWA, DSWD, DOH, DOTr, and TESDA to help them transition back to life with their families.
Powys County Times
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Powys hall to host open air concert for Mid Wales Opera
Some of Wales' finest classical voices will be taking centre stage later this month in an open air-concert at a historic Powys building. Mid Wales Opera have announced their artist line up for the 2025 fundraising garden concert at Gregynog Hall, near Newtown. The concert will be held on Sunday, July 13, in an open air event titled 'The Great American Dream' to raise money for Mid Wales Opera as an arts organisation. This year's event will be led by MWO's renowned Music Director and pianist Charlotte Forrest, joined by a cast of Welsh vocal talent that includes soprano Erin Rossington, mezzo soprano Angharad Lyddon and baritone John Ieuan Jones. Charlotte Forrest is one of the UK's most respected opera coaches and recitalists. Currently Senior Vocal Coach for Glyndebourne Festival Opera, she also works regularly with English National Opera, Grange Festival, Opera Holland Park, Longborough Festival and Garsington Opera. She has performed at Wigmore Hall, the Concertgebouw, Salle Pleyel and Pisa Duomo, and collaborated with artists including Dame Felicity Lott, Sir John Tomlinson and Sir Tom Jones. Joining Charlotte is Angharad Lyddon, whose recent roles include Mary in The Flying Dutchman, Flosshilde in Götterdämmerung with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and Branwen in Blaze of Glory with Welsh National Opera. Erin Rossington is a rising star and winner of Llangollen Eisteddfod's International Voice of the Future competition. A recent WNO Associate Artist, her roles include Micaëla in La Tragédie de Carmen and Contessa in Le nozze di Figaro. Rounding out the main lineup is John Ieuan Jones, who fans of Mid Wales Opera will remember as Claudio in MWO's Beatrice & Benedict in 2023, has performed widely with Welsh National Opera, Opra Cymru and at major festivals in the UK and North America. The concert will take place in the gardens of Gregynog Hall, where audiences are invited to bring their own chairs or picnic rugs and enjoy an extended interval for picnics, garden strolls or woodland walks. The café will also be open before the performance. In case of bad weather, the concert will move indoors to Gregynog's historic Music Room.
