Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 23) — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Thursday said it is eyeing higher funding by 2024 as it takes the lead in overseeing legal and welfare services for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
In a press briefing, Migrant Workers Undersecretary Hans Cacdac said taking over the Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) functions under the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will need a higher budget apart from the AKSYON (Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFW na Nangangailangan) Fund for the workers. It requires more funding,” Cacdac said. “That’s why in the 2024 budget we hope to have more. We’re praying very hard.” The undersecretary explained that most of the ₱1.08 billion AKSYON Fund will be transferred directly to OFW beneficiaries while the additional funds they seek are for hiring needed manpower and other operating expenses.
The DFA will be turning over ATN functions for OFWs to the DMW starting July 1.
“We really made sure, directive ito ni Secretary Toots (Ople) and even Secretary (Enrique) Manalo, na dapat smooth and seamless ang transition in a sense that hindi maapektuhan ‘yung patuloy, walang patid, na delivery services on the ground,” Cacdac said.
[Translation: We really made sure, this is the directive of Secretary Toots and even Secretary Manalo, that the transition should be smooth and seamless in a sense that the delivery of services on the ground will not be affected or interrupted.]The undersecretary also said the DFA will continue handling existing cases such as OFWs in death row, including Mary Jane Veloso’s case, while the DMW will begin taking over new cases that will come by July.
