DMW aids OFWs in Central Luzon

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Philippines — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has given over P1.5 million in assistance to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Central Luzon.

Mel Caldano, DMW regional director, said the financial aid was given under the Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFWs na Nangangailangan or AKSYON Fund to provide medical, financial, psycho-social, legal, rescue or repatriation assistance to all OFWs, regardless of immigration status.

Caldano said the assistance is among the government initiatives to transform the journey and narrative of OFWs and their families and empower them as partners of national development.

“From P25,000, qualified beneficiaries can now receive up to P50,000 depending on their category under the AKSYON Fund program. The DMW ensures that the government is there for the OFWs, especially in times of crisis and calamities,” Caldano added.

The DMW is also giving OFWs pre-employment services, including documentation and seminars on pre-departure and pre-migration to help them make informed decisions on their labor migration journey.

Caldano warned aspiring and active OFWs on the schemes of illegal recruiters, traffickers and scammers and advised them to coordinate with the DMW to verify the legitimacy of agencies they deal with.