Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 9) — President Rodrigo Duterte appointed Abdullah Derupong Mama-o to lead the newly established Department of Migrant Workers, Malacañang confirmed on Wednesday.
Mama-o was Duterte’s presidential adviser on overseas Filipinos and Muslim concerns.
“His experience and qualifications in labor and diplomatic negotiations, among others, as the Presidential Adviser on OFW concerns will be invaluable to his new position and to our migrant workers,” said acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar in a statement.
Mama-o was also appointed as special envoy to Kuwait in 2018 as the diplomatic relations with the Middle Eastern country turned sour following the death of domestic helper Joanna Demafiles and the expulsion of Philippine ambassador Renato Villa.
Duterte signed into law the measure creating the Department of Migrant Workers on Dec. 30 last year. The department is solely dedicated to the concerns of overseas Filipino workers.
The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) will serve as its backbone, while the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) will stand as an attached agency.
