The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has allocated P15.2 Billion to the newly created Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) under the 2023 National Expenditure Program (NEP).
This is in line with the Marcos administration's commitment to uphold the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and ensure the efficient delivery of services and assistance to OFWs.
DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman noted that the administration steadfastly recognizes the contribution of our OFWs to our economy.
“Our OFWs are our modern day heroes. We honor their sacrifices, as they work hard to uplift the lives of their families and to enhance our country’s economy through their remittances," Secretary Pangandaman said.
The Budget Secretary added that the DBM is in full support of the President’s advocacy for the betterment of our OFWs' condition.
"We know and feel the difficulties our kababayans face by being far from their loved ones and we continue to ensure that they will be afforded with the appropriate support they need,” DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman added.
Out of the aforementioned amount, Php 3.5 billion is earmarked for the DMW’s Office of the Secretary, of which, 77% or Php 2.7 billion goes to the Overseas Employment and Welfare Program. This includes Php 1.2 billion AKSYON Fund pursuant to Republic Act No 11641.
Pursuant to Section 20 of Republic Act No. 11641 or the Migrant Workers Act, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is mandated as an attached agency of the DMW.
As such, under the 2023 NEP, a budget allocation amounting to Php 10.039 Billion is earmarked for the Emergency Repatriation Program of OWWA. This covers a number of 367,287 OFWs to this day.
The program provides assistance in bringing back distressed OFWs and human remains back to the country. Workers are provided with proper help, temporary shelter at the OWWA Halfway Home, psycho-social counseling, stress debriefing, and transport services to their respective localities.
Other programs included in the DMW budget allocation for 2023 are the Overseas Employment Regulatory Program, Labor Migration Policy and International Cooperation Program, Maritime Research and Skills Competency Program, and Provision for OFW Hospital and Diagnostic Center under Overseas Employment and Welfare Program among others.
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