ofw hospital for filipinos and dependents

OFW Hospital: Overseas Filipino Workers Hospital Philippines

In June 2022, the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families and eligible dependents received yet another type of assistance from the Philippine government—a privileged service type of support, delivered in the form of OFW-exclusive medical care by the newly-opened Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Hospital.

The Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Hospital and Diagnostic Center (OFW Hospital) is a newly-opened specialized polyclinic in San Fernando, Pampanga. It was built by the Duterte administration in an effort to provide medical care to current and former Modern-Day Heroes—the OFWs—and their dependents, especially those who cannot afford the cost of private hospital care. The OFW hospital offers a wide range of facilities and services, and if you are interested to learn more, then this guide is for you.

What is the OFW Hospital?

The Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Hospital and Diagnostic Center, otherwise known as OFW Hospital, is the most recent and world’s first-ever specialized medical facility launched to address the growing need for specialized, comprehensive, and total health care services exclusively for OFWs. 

It was designed to offer medical care in the form of specialist services—internal medicine (IM), surgery, obstetrics-gynecology (OB-GYNE)—as well as psychological counseling, and social work services to the Filipino migrant worker population. 

Since its initial operation, it mainly offers outpatient services. But once it receives its license to operate from the Department of Health (DoH), it will expand its operations and start treating more diseases. It will also provide free consulting services for a variety of chronic diseases and ailments, including diabetes, hypertension, leprosy, and skin care, among others.

Purpose of the OFW Hospital

For now, the OFW Hospital is sticking to its purpose to serve and provide free, high quality medical care and health services to OFWs and their families on a limited status. Nevertheless, it still serves its purpose in ensuring that they are physically and mentally fit enough to do the job they are leaving the country for. 

It also offers free medical examinations and other healthcare services to OFW dependents, especially to those who cannot afford private medical services. It also serves as an important referral hospital for Filipino citizens who need it. 

OFW Hospital Facilities

The OFW Hospital is a seven-story, 100-bed, level 2 government hospital erected in a 1.5-hectare land donated by the provincial government of Pampanga. It comes with an outpatient clinic, an inpatient ward, a pharmacy, and a laboratory, and was specially designed to serve Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and the immediate members of their families.

At present, the OFW hospital is operating as a polyclinic, mainly handling ordinary treatments and outpatient services. However, once the Department of Health grants the hospital with a license to operate, it will start admitting in-patients. It will also house a “Malasakit Center and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration desk” to help address any concerns. 

The OFW Hospital is also slated to open 30 more beds in partnership with Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital and Philippine General Hospital (PGH). This will expand its operations into an infirmary. Once it happens, it can already accommodate people with various illnesses and minor surgeries.

According to the reports, once the OFW Hospital becomes fully operational, more medical equipment like Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computerized Tomography (CT) scan, dialysis equipment, and other medical devices worth Php200-million in total will be brought in.

Who can avail of the services of the OFW hospital?

The services of the OFW Hospital is available to those who wish to use the hospital services via either PhilHealth or OWWA, provided that they meet the following conditions:

  • Filipino who have worked or are working overseas
  • Land-based or Sea-based OFW
  • OFWs whether active or inactive and undocumented at OWWA
  • No age limit
  • OWWA contributors

The following may also avail of the medical services offered by the OFW Hospital as an eligible dependent:

  • OFWs legal spouse,
  • OFWs minor or incapacitated child
  • OFWs parents (who mostly rely on the support of member-OFWs)
  • If the OFW is single: minor sibling

In essence, all OFWs, whether active or inactive, and their families may seek medical care at the OFW Hospital. Whether they are active or inactive OWWA members or are eligible dependent of such, they may still avail of the same service provided that they can submit the required documentation.

Benefits of OFW Hospital

Some of the most prominent advantage of the development of the OFW Hospital in Pampanga include:

  • Basic healthcare services 
  • All-inclusive medical treatment  
  • Curative and preventive treatment options
  • Preventative medical measures like vaccination programs
  • Equal access to high quality healthcare for OFWs and their dependents 
  • Easier and more convenient access to medical care especially for OFWs 
  • Specialized access to medical care for OFWs who work in occupations with a high risk of illness or injury, 
  • Great help to foreign workers and their dependents who do not have access to appropriate medical care in their home countries 
  • Less expenses for both OFW and employer
  • Less chance for missed work or delayed schedule due to sickness or injury
  • Less problems with poor physical condition of workers
  • More productive and healthier employees

OFW Hospital Programs and Services

For OFWs, it is important to stay healthy. At some point, you will need to go home and visit a hospital to either get checked or get treated. When you do, you’ll find the benefits that having the world’s first dedicated OFW Hospital entails. It’s groundbreaking enough that an all-exclusive medical facility for migrant workers exist. What’s even more impressive is the fact that the facility offers programs and services specially designed to assist injured or ill OFWs.

Since it launched, the OFW hospital has been offering the following outpatient programs and services to OFWs and their eligible dependents:

General Consultation

General consultations refer to a 15 to 30-minute session with a doctor where the doctor monitors the development of the patient’s condition, treats existing illnesses or disabilities, prevents current or potential health problems, improves life and movement, and generally extends the patient’s life for as long as possible. During these sessions, doctors are expected to hear out and address the patient’s complaints and offer advice on all available treatment options.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is one of the main service all hospital offers. It is no different for the OFW Hospital. During diagnosis, doctors take into consideration all the symptoms and complaints that patients have in order to figure out their disease or condition and recommend the best treatment options.

Laboratory

Diagnosis will never be complete without laboratory services. Sometimes, it may be hard for even specialists tomake conclusive diagnosis without the help of definitive lab test results. Thanks to the lab service offered by the OFW Hospital, patients requiring such tests do not need to look elsewhere to avail of the services. In cases when lab tests results end up requiring the OFWs to seek specialist services, the OFW Hospital is also equipped with people who can make referrals to specialists. 

Additionally, the hospital offers a wide range of services to help OFWs with their daily lives. Some of the other services offered by the OFW Hospital to OFWs include:

  • Free medical and dental service
  • Free medication
  • Free laboratory tests
  • Free x-ray
  • Free ultrasound
  • Dental extraction (free)
  • Dental implant (free) 
  • Free consultations on various health insurance plans and programs 
  • Coverage for pre-existing diseases 
  • Coverage for pregnancy 
  • Free medical assistance

Note: Before visiting the OFW Hospital, OFWs or their eligible dependents are required to schedule a consultation appointment via the following appointment link: https://appointment-ofwhospital.owwa.gov.ph/

How to Book an Appointment at the OFW Hospital

If you need medical care, booking an appointment for the OFW Hospital is easy and convenient. Plus, it ensures that you will get the care you need without any problems. If you need to learn how to book an appointment for a visit to the OFW Hospital, here’s a simplified list of steps that you can follow: 

  • Visit the OFW Hospital appointment page at  https://appointment-ofwhospital.owwa.gov.ph.
  • Choose the preferred site and program
  • Choose your preferred date of appointment for your visit.
  • Key in your personal information.
  • Confirm your appointment.

Once you have a confirmed appointment, you may take a screenshot for your reference. You may then visit the OFW hospital on the scheduled date and time of your appointment.

Video: Inauguration of the World’s First Ever OFW Hospital

The Philippine’s OFW Hospital is the world’s first specialized hospital exclusively for OFWs and their dependents. It offers programs and free medical services to OFWs as detailed in the video below:

Frequently Asked Questions

For questions regarding the “OFW Hospital,” here’s a list of the most frequently asked questions and answers:

1. What is the OFW Hospital?

The OFW Hospital is a hospital developed specifically for the OFWs and their dependents. It offers basic healthcare services and laboratory tests, especially for those who need medical certificates required before overseas deployment.

2. What is the purpose of the OFW Hospital?

The OFW Hospital was created for a single purpose: To provide free and accessible medical treatment and health services to OFWs, their dependents, and other patients who may have been referred to the hospital either by an OFW or an international recruitment agency.

3. What are the services offered by the OFW Hospital?

The OFW Hospital offers free medical and dental care, free insurance policy consultations, as well as general consultations, laboratory and imaging diagnosis, medical assistance, and specialist referrals.

At full capacity, the hospital is expected to be able to provide care for approximately 400 patients per day, with a total of 17 usable wards, 10 consultation rooms, and 7 examination rooms. The hospital will also feature brand-new medical facilities, an outpatient clinic, an X-ray department, a laboratory, and a pharmacy that offers reasonably priced and discounted medicinal options. In addition, there are plans to expand their services in the future to include services like physiotherapy and other forms of therapy, in order to give their patients a higher level of care.

4. Does the hospital offer free medical examinations to OFWs?

Yes, the hospital offers free medical exams. This includes all additional specialized exams that sponsors or employers may require on top of the pre- and post-employment medical examinations.

5. Does the hospital provide emergency medical care for patients from foreign countries?

Yes. As long as the patient is eligible and qualified for the benefits of the services of the OFW Hospital, they can avail of the emergency medical care even if they are from foreign countries.

6. Can non-OFWs be admitted to the OFW hospital?

Yes. Patients who are non-OFW but have been referred to the hospital by an overseas worker or by a company that places workers overseas are also qualified to receive healthcare services from the OFW Hospital. The hospital is also equipped to provide healthcare services to Filipinos who are stationed overseas in official capacities as well as OFW dependents and the dependents of Filipinos serving in the military or working for foreign government offices.

7. Does the OFW Hospital require an appointment?

Yes. Booking an appointment is required at the OFW Hospital. The hospital can only accommodate a maximum of 30 people daily so it’s best to ensure that you arrive in time for your scheduled appointment.

8. What is the OFW Hospital’s office hour?

Except on holidays, the OFW Hospital in the city of San Fernando, Pampanga is open from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, Mondays through Fridays.

9. How is it funded?

Through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Department of Health, the Philippine Overseas Health Workers’ (POHW) Welfare Fund—a non-stock, non-profit business that offers health care benefits—is expected to provide financial support for the construction of the very first OFW Hospital in the country. It will also receive support from a technical working group of medical professionals from public hospitals such as the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI), the Lung Center of the Philippines (LCP), and the University of Santo Tomas Hospital Foundation Incorporated (UST Hospitals Foundation Inc.) who have been providing medical services to OFWs for years.

10. Will the OFW hospital make my OWWA membership fees worth it?

Yes. As an active OWWA member, you may also take advantage of the services available at the OFW Hospital as an additional OWWA membership benefit. Having said that, your OWWA membership also entitles you to the programs and services offered at the hospital and it will help you save on hospital and healthcare fees that you would otherwise need to pay for at other medical facilities.

Summary

The OFW hospital is the world’s first-ever hospital designed specifically for OFWs. Itoffers high-quality medical care to OFW and their eligible dependents at this hospital. Though it isn’t operating at full capacity just yet, the OFW Hospital can already serve as a lifeline for many OFWs who have fallen ill or have been injured while working abroad, especially if they do not have the capacity to avail of medical services from private healthcare facilities. With its brand-new and modern facilities combined with compassionate medical staff, the OFW Hospital is slated to become a truly a first-of-its-kind world-class institution.

The hospital is expected to also house a “Malasakit Center and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration desk” to help address any concerns. It is also slated to open 30 more beds in partnership with Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital and Philippine General Hospital (PGH). This will expand its operations into an infirmary with more medical equipment like Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computerized Tomography (CT) scan, dialysis equipment, and other medical devices worth Php200-million in total will be brought in.

Additionally, in order to provide their patients with a greater level of care, there are plans to expand the hospital services to incorporate new medical modalities including physiotherapy and other types of therapy.

For now, the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Hospital is a medical facility catering to the healthcare needs of OFWs and their families. While it does offers a wide range of free services including but not limited to general medicine, and outpatient services like general consultation, diagnostics (laboratory and imaging), and referral to specialists, the OFW hospital is slated to offer treatment options for in-patients. It will also offer other medical services for other types of injuries and diseases 

Contact Information

The OFW Hospital is committed to providing quality healthcare services to its OFW and OFW dependent patients and we hope that you will find the information presented in this guide helpful and enlightening. In case you need to reach out to them for any reason, you can contact them at:

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Hospital and Diagnostic Center (OFW Hospital)
Office Address: OFW Hospital, McArthur Highway, Bgy. Sindalan San Fernando, Philippines
E-mail Address: ofwhcares@gmail.com
Official Website: https://ofwhospital.owwa.gov.ph/
Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OFW-Hospital-101593242553179/

owwa programs and benefits for ofws

Complete List of OWWA Programs, Benefits, and Services

The Overseas Workers Welfare Association (OWWA) is an attached agency of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and a membership institution. It is an OFW-centric agency dedicated to protect the well-being of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families by offering a low-cost insurance program in exchange for a two-year membership amounting to only US$25.00 or its equivalent foreign exchange rate. 

In exchange for the US$25.00 OWWA membership contribution fee, OFWs and their families and eligible beneficiaries are entitled to all programs, projects, and services that they can avail. In this guide, we rounded up a complete list of all OWWA benefits, programs, and services made available to all active OWWA member OFWs and their families.

Overview

All OWWA programs and services are made available through the various stages of their overseas employment. From pre-employment to departure, and until their eventual return and reintegration into the society, OFWs and their families can expect the support and protection of the premiere body in-charge of their welfare, OWWA.

It’s important that as an OWWA member, you are aware of these programs, services and benefits that you can avail. So you can take advantage of them whenever applicable, especially during times of crisis.

Pre-Employment

As the main agency in-charge of protecting OFWs, OWWA starts its duty to its beneficiaries and members well before they even leave the country. Some of their programs include:

Pre-departure Education Program

Before leaving the Philippines, the government, through OWWA, offered a government-to-citizen (G2C) educational training and skill-upgrade programs to OFWs and would-be OFWs through the Pre-departure Education Program. This initiative is meant to help OFWs and would-be OFWs get relevant pre-departure orientations and seminars to help OFWs adapt to the new work environment and cope with the new culture in their host country.  

Country-Specific Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS)

PDOS is a mandatory one-day comprehensive orientation for OFWs hosted by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO). It gives OFWs relevant information on employment contracts, country profiles, health and safety, financial literacy, and travel tips to help them prepare for their departure.

Comprehensive Pre-Departure Education Program (CPDEP) for Household Service Workers (HSWs)

CPDEP is the live-out counterpart of PDOS exclusively designed for Household Service Workers (HSWs) and Domestic Workers (DWs). It is conducted for two (2) to six (6) days and focuses on language training, culture familiarization, and stress management to prepare them for potential cultural barriers that they may encounter while working overseas.

On-Site Employment Services

OWWA’s services are also available in various countries via the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO-OWWA), a dedicated office where OFWs can inquire about OWWA programs while working abroad.

Post-arrival Orientation Seminar (PAOS)

is an orientation-seminar typically done upon the OFWs’ arrival at the host country. It is meant to give information on the rights and the things that the OFWs need to observe so their employment and their stay at the host country will be safe and worthwhile. PAOS usually covers topics including consular services, Assistance to Nationals (ATN), POLO services, Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC), and welfare and community services, among others. 

On-site Programs and Services

Welfare Assistance Program (WAP)

The OWWA Welfare Assistance Program (WAP) is a program extended to active or inactive OWWA members and their qualified dependents who are not yet eligible for regular OWWA programs as a form of support in cases of calamity, death, disability, sickness, accidental or crime-induced injury, and displacement due to economic, political, health crises, and bankruptcy. 

Community Outreach Program

One of OWWA’s main thrusts is to build good relationships with and among overseas Filipino Communities. With this goal in mind, many POLO-OWWA offices regularly host events that foster assistance to projects and programs initiated by various Filipino organizations. Some of the programs they support include socio-cultural activities and institutional events like Migrant Workers’ Day, Labor Day, and Independence Day celebrations.

Other OWWA Services

OWWA also offers assistance to OFWs in various capacities, offering services related to negotiation with employers and recruitment agencies, endorsement to competent Japanese authority or government office and to non-governmental organizations (NGOs), counseling; jobsite and accommodation inspection, jail and hospital visitation and support on court hearing appearances. 

Returning OFWs

OWWA services for OFWs don’t end in deployment. Their assistance continues well into the time when the OFWs settle down in the host country and up until they return back home to the Philippines. Some of the programs and services offered by OWWA include:

Repatriation Assistance Program

OWWA offers repatriation assistance for distressed and mentally/physically ill OFWs, and those who have died and whose remains needed to be sent back home to the Philippines. Their offices can also help in cases when families need support regarding finding information on an OFWs whereabouts or in dealing with personal/relationship problems.

Reintegration Preparedness Program

In addition to the help and support that OWWA gives in sending home distressed OFWs, OWWA also offers help in the form of skills training and development programs and activities to help them reintegrate back into the society and offer them the option to stay home with their families without compromising their livelihood. Some of the programs offered by OWWA under the Reintegration Preparedness Program include skills and livelihood training, livelihood and agri-business seminars, financial literacy seminars, and entrepreneurial development training.

Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay! Program

The Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay! Program (BPBH) is an initiative meant to support distressed, displaced, or repatriated active and inactive OWWA member OFWs. The program aims to help them reintegrate into the economic and livelihood spectrum of the society with the support of a livelihood program in the form of a cash aid after the OFW has been repatriated for reasons including political chaos, war, economic problems, illegal recruiters, human traffickers, maltreatment, or verbal/sexual abuses.

Balik Pinay! Balik Hanapbuhay! Program

Under the Balik Pinay! Balik Hanapbuhay! Program, Filipina household service workers are provided with mandatory livelihood skills and entrepreneurial training along with a ready-to-go self-employment business enterprise start-up kit to help remove their socio-economic vulnerability and improve their socio-economic well-being as they reintegrate into the society with a small planned business enterprise.  

Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Pag-unlad ng Samahang OFWs (Tulong – PUSO)

The Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Pag-unlad ng Samahang OFWs (Tulong PUSO) is a DOLE-OWWA project that offers a one-time livelihood financial grant to support proposed business plans and livelihood endeavors of small, medium, and large OFW groups. The loan is afforded to Oduly registered with DOLE, CDA, and SEC so they can start or expand viable, sustainable, and immediate income-generation projects of OFW Group startups. as long as they are duly registered with DOLE, CDA, and SEC who satisfy the following qualifications: 

Overseas Filipino Workers – Enterprise Development and Loan Program (OFW-EDLP)

The Overseas Filipino Workers – Enterprise Development and Loan Program (OFW-EDLP), formerly known as the OFW-Reintegration Program (ORP), is an enterprise development intervention and loan facility managed by OWWA, in partnership with the Landbank of the Philippines (LBP) and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP). The program was intended to support enterprise development among OFWs and their families via the following eligible projects:

  • Franchising business

  • Contract tie-up with the top 1000 corporations

  • Agricultural and non-agricultural production or manufacturing with identified market links and raw material sources;

  • Construction or rental business;

  • Service and trading business;

  • Transportation service; or

  • Any new or existing project that promises viability generates a sufficient net cash flow cover for the projected amortization of the loan, resulting in a debt service ratio of at least 1.

OWWA Members, active or non-active, who have completed the Enhanced Entrepreneurial Development Training (EEDT) are eligible for loan purposes under the OFW-EDLP. With grants from this program, OFWs can get additional funds to supplement their working capital or help them acquire fixed assets. Under the program, it can be availed by the following OFW types:

Post-Employment Services

Post-employment services are also offered by OWWA to overseas Filipino workers who decide to return and stay in the country for good, whether by their own choice or as demanded by the situation.

In-Country Reintegration Services

Among the many OWWA post-employment projects is the in-country reintegration services, a set of services offered to OFWs who have been displaced or laid off and sent home due to unforeseeable reasons before they even finish their contracts. Such services include psycho-social services like counseling, OFW family circle support, skills training and enhancement, NRCO services, and some other OWWA programs for OFWs and their families. 

Social Benefits

OWWA members are also afforded benefits that support their financial and social needs arising from various circumstances including calamities, sickness, bereavement, family, education, or housing problems. 

Disability and Dismemberment

Under this program, active OWWA members can receive or avail a specific amount as cash benefit if they sustain accident-related injuries, disabilities, or dismemberment while working abroad. 

Supplementary Medical Assistance (MEDplus)

OWWA’s supplementary medical assistance program (MEDplus) is an OWWA benefit program meant to provide supplemental medical assistance and relief in the form of subsidized hospital bills to OFWs hospitalized for dreaded diseases.      

Death and Burial

The OWWA Death and Burial program is much like an insurance program where beneficiaries of deceased OWWA member OFWs can get cash aid in cases when the OFW dies of either natural or accidental causes. The program also offers cash aid to help the OFW’s surviving family with the burial expenses.

Welfare Assistance Program (WAP)

The OWWA Welfare Assistance Program (WAP) is a cash relief program extended to both active and inactive OWWA members and their qualified dependents, who are not yet eligible for any of the regular OWWA programs and services. Under the WAP, both OFWs or their eligible beneficiaries can get calamity, bereavement, disability, and medical assistance. They are also offered financial support in the event when the OWWA member OFW gets displaced or laid-off due to economic, political, health crises, bankruptcy, and other similar conditions.

Education Scholarship and Training Benefits

OWWA also prides itself for seeing the value of training and education, both for the working OWWA members and their eligible dependents. Having said that, they have put in place some programs and services that are meant to assist, prepare, support, and train the OWWA members and their qualified dependents in their bid to improve their skills or complete their basic formal education.

Scholarship for Dependents

One of the OWWA programs designed to support their member OFWs in their bid to improve the lives of their children is the Scholarship for Dependents Program. Under this program, OWWA offers numerous scholarship and financial assistance programs that will make it easier for the OFWs to support the education and improve the future of their dependents.

Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP)

The Education for Development Scholarship (EDSP) is yet another OWWA Scholarship program geared to support the college or university studies of qualified OFW dependents through competitive OWWA grants and exclusive scholarship programs. The EDSP scholarship is available to all qualified OWWA member dependents regardless of school or course preference, so long as the terms and conditions of the scholarship are met for the duration of the program.  

OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP)

The OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP) is also another scholarship program offered to help the dependents of active OWWA member OFWs complete their four- or five-year tertiary education in their preferred state university or college (SUC) for a better, brighter work option in the future. 

Education and Livelihood Assistance Program for the Dependents of Deceased OFW Members (ELAP)

The OWWA Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP) is a two way program meant for the dependents of a deceased OFW. One part of the program offers an academic scholarship assistance in the form of a cash aid meant to support the academic expenses of surviving school-age dependents of the deceased OFW. The other part of the program offers a livelihood grant/economic assistance grant to the surviving spouse or parent of the deceased OFW.

Short-Term Training Programs for OFWs & Dependents

OWWA offers various kinds of short-term training programs to OFWs and their qualified dependents. These programs are meant to support skill upgrades, both for the OFWs and their beneficiaries.

Skills for Employment Scholarship Program (SESP)

The OWWA Skills-for-Employment Scholarship Program (SESP) is one of the many scholarship programs offered by OWWA under their short-term training programs for OFWs with the goal of helping OFWs and their dependents complete a technical or vocational course in any school accredited by TESDA, MARINA, and other government-accredited training institutions.

Information Technology (IT) Training Program

The Information Technology (IT) Training Program is one of OWWA’s free short-term training programs specifically designed for active and inactive OWWA member OFWs and their qualified dependents who wish to enhance their Information Technology (IT) skills. Through this program, OWWA originally hoped to help the OFWs and their families stay connected until it evolved into a training program meant to teach them basic computer literacy programs and IT applications and improve their employability and broaden their career opportunities.

Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP)

The OWWA Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP) is a special scholarship program exclusively designed for active, returning, or first-time Filipino seafarers who are also active OWWA members. It was designed to help seafarers improve their skills and proficiency in the various job-related technicalities and specialties consistent with the current international maritime standards as defined by the Maritime Training Council. By enrolling in a training course accredited by Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) or Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), seafarer-beneficiaries can improve their skills enough to be competitive and at par with the rest of the world in meeting the International Maritime Organizations competency standards, regardless if they’ve never been to sea or they’ve only been away for some time. 

e-Services

  • OFW Assistance Information System (OASIS)

  • OFW e-CARD Application

  • OWWA Rebate Portal

  • OFW e-CARD Tracker

  • OWWA Mobile App

Special Projects

  • DOLE-OWWA AKAP for OFWs (DOLE-AKAP)

  • Tertiary Education Subsidy for Dependents of Repatriated OFWs (Tabang OFW)

  • OWWA Rebate Program

  • Educational Assistance by Scholarship in Emergencies (Project EASE)

  • Tuloy-Aral Project (TAP)

OWWA-NLDC LDPO Project

The OWWA has an existing tie-up with the National Livelihood Development Corporation (NLDC) to come up with implement the Livelihood Development Program for OFWs (LDPO) to provide OFW families access to capital for their entrepreneurial activities.

 24/7 OWWA Operations Center Hotline

The OWWA maintains a 24/7 Operations Center designed to quickly respond to OFW and public inquiries on OWWA programs and services. Manned by OWWA personnel who work in shifts, the Operations Center provides information and advice as well as facilitative services to OFWs in distress overseas; follow-up requests for assistance; global developments on worker migration; and coordination with OWWA regional welfare offices on OFW concerns.

The 24/7 Operations Center is located at: OWWA Building, 7th corner F.B. Harrison Sts., Pasay City Metro Manila, Philippines and can be contacted through the following:

OWWA Hotline: 1348
Landline: (+632)833-OWWA or (+632)833-6992
GLOBE HOTLINE 2917 (Press “3” for OWWA)
Mobile/SMS text messaging: (0917)TXT-OWWA or (0917)898-6992
Facsimile: +63-2-8040638
Email: opcenter@owwa.gov.ph/ owwa_opcenter@yahoo.com
Website: https://owwa.gov.ph

dmw-department-of-migrant-workers

What is DMW? Department of Migrant Workers

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is the executive department formed by the Philippine government to protect the rights and promote the welfare of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and their families. It is the youngest child in the cabinet, created only after former President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act No. 10868 and Republic Act No. 11641 (Department of Migrant Workers Act) during the commemoration of the 125th death anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Malacañang Palace on December 30, 2021. 

Also Read: OWWA Membership: How do I Become a Member of OWWA?

As an agency, the DMW (Kagawaran ng Manggagawang Mandarayuhan), also referred to as the “Department of OFWs,” was formed to unify, under one department, the services and programs of various offices that are meant to cater to OFWs abroad. It was meant to streamline the service delivery so OFWs won’t have to make numerous trips to different offices to get what they need. In this guide, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about this specialized department for migrant Filipino workers, along with its goals, programs, and services in an attempt to clarify what the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is all about.

dmw department of migrant workers

What is DMW?

DMW stands for the Department of Migrant Workers—a special department created by virtue of Executive Order No. 18, Series of 2019, signed by President Rodrigo Roa Republic Act No. 11641 (Department of Migrant Workers Act). It was created to consolidate, assume, and absorb the functions and mandate of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), along with six other offices including the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs (OUMWA) of the DFA, Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB), National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO), the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) of the DOLE, and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)—which will serve as its attached agency. The new department will also take over some functions of DOLE-MCI. Together, both DMW and DOLE-MCI would work closely with other offices including the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Immigration (BI), Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) and various non-government organizations (NGOs) in providing support for distressed workers abroad.

The history of DMW is short. It started out as a promise made to the OFWs during the 2019 Araw ng Pasasalamat for OFWs (Thanksgiving day for the Overseas Filipino Workers). Later on, some representatives authored a couple of house bills pushing for the creation of a Department of Filipinos Overseas and Foreign Employment. The bills went through several constitutional amendments before they were eventually consolidated and approved as Senate Bill No. 2234, resulting in the creation of the DMW. 

Formation and Organizational Structure of the DMW

The law that mandated the creation of the DMW has put in place a few conditions related to the creation of the department. Such conditions include:

  • Having a budget for 2023

  • An IRR 

  • A staffing pattern

  • The political will of the next president 

  • The value placed by the next administration on migration and OFWs

The new department will be comprised of the following divisions: 

  • Administration and Finance

  • Planning and Coordination

  • Legal Affairs and Special Concerns

  • Migrant Welfare Concerns/Welfare Assistance Division/Office

  • Investigation and Enforcement

  • Public Assistance and Services. 

As far as management goes, the DMW will be staffed as follows:

  • Headed by a Secretary appointed by the President for a term lasting no longer than three (3) years

  • Two (2) Undersecretaries

  • Assistant Secretary for the following Departments:
    • Legal Affairs and Special Concerns

    • Migrant Welfare Concerns

    • Welfare Assistance Division Office

  • Each division will have a Division Manager supported by a Deputy Division Manager 

  • One (1) Chief Administrative Officer or Deputy Administrator

  • Four (4) Deputy Managers

  • Five (5) Managers

  • Twenty-one (21) Supervisors

  • Thirty-nine (39) Senior Officers

  • Ninety-four (94) Officers I

  • Fifty-five (55) Officers II 

  • One hundred fifty-five (155) Support Staff

Note: A Joint Management Committee (JMC) will be tasked to address matters regarding the management and operations of the affected agencies, as well as the financial management, governance, and compliance responsibilities in the disbursement of funds of the new department.

Functions and Responsibilities of the DMW Office

The fully staffed Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) office was created to take on the following roles and serve the following functions and responsibilities: 

  • To formulate solutions, plan, coordinate, administer, promote, and implement policies related to the welfare of OFWs.

  • To undertake regulatory, management, and monitoring systems for OFWs.

  • To encourage the empowerment and protection of OFWs by offering training programs to provide continual training and knowledge growth.

  • To combine all relevant government entities into a single location to make it easier for migrant workers to get documentation and seek assistance from the government. 

  • To have a single department overseeing all programs aimed at preserving the welfare of OFWs.

  • To create a Management Information System  (MIS) that will act as registration for all OFWs. 

  • To establish a 24-hour Emergency Response and Action Center Unit 

  • To set up a media and social media monitoring center to respond to OFWs’ emergency needs.

  • To create the Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFW na Nangangailangan (AKSYON) Fund, which will be used to aid OFWs with legal and other assistance. 

  • To provide assistance to OFWs who are victims of abuse and illegal recruitment, human trafficking, forced labor, and prostitution along with DOLE-MCI.

  • To protects the interests of OFWs and their families in partnership with OWWA, by providing the following forms of support:
    • social security

    • employment support

    • cultural service

    • remittances

    • legal matters assistance 

  • To regulate OFW recruitment process and employment & deployment

  • To take legal actions including investigations and filing cases because of human trafficking illegal recruitment of OFWs.

  • To provide assistance to exploited or abused migrant workers. 

  • To help exploited or abused OFWs by providing support related to:
    • shelter

    • food

    • medical care

    • legal assistance

    • transport assistance after they have been deported from other countries.

On top of its assumed functions and responsibilities, the newly-formed DMW is expected to carry out the following mandates:

  • To closely coordinate with the Bangsamoro Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE) regarding the training, protection and regulation of deployment of overseas Bangsamoro workers. 

  • To take over ILAB’s task of ensuring the compliance of the Philippines with its obligations to negotiate treaties and migration-related international organizations and agreements.

  • To handle both DOLE and POEA’s functions except those related to:
    • quasi-judicial functions and issuance of licenses to recruitment and staffing agencies.

Benefits of the Creation of DMW

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) provides vital services secondary to the following benefits to migrant workers and their families. 

  • Counseling and legal services

  • Education and training programs

  • Improved working conditions for migrant workers 

  • Protect employee rights. 

  • Fair treatment and easy access to essential services

  • Consolidated department for document processing for OFWs

  • Improve coordination and efficiency between agencies involved in taking care of OFWs’ needs

DMW Programs and Services

The Department of Migrant Workers provides the following services to Filipino migrant workers:

  • Livelihood programs to help OFWs start their own or expand their existing businesses.
    • Livelihood Programs for OFWs (LPO). 

This is one of the numerous livelihood program offered by the Philippine government to help OFWs start their own businesses or expand their existing businesses in terms of funding, training, and marketing assistance. 

  • Training programs on entrepreneurship, financial management, and other topics for a successful business.

The DMW also offers training programs related to entrepreneurship, financial management, and other topics to help OFWs become less dependent on their families and more skilled and successful in their businesses.  

  • Career counseling services to help OFWs find new and better employment opportunities or transition to a new career successfully.

The DMW also offers counseling related to career, financial management, and entrepreneurship development to OFWs who wish to start their own business upon coming home to the Philippines.

  • Legal assistance services to help OFWs with their employment-related problems, including contract disputes and violations.

The DMW also offer legal assistance services to help OFWs with employment-related problems like contract disputes and violations. It also offers assistance in resolving issues related to recruitment, deployment, repatriation, promotion and protection against abuse, exploitation, harassment, and discrimination.

  • Different welfare services to help OFWs in times of need, as in during medical emergencies or when they end up getting stranded abroad.
    • Financial assistance for families whose OFW breadwinners have died or become disabled abroad. 

    • Emergency funds for OFWs who wish to return home from their host countries due to personal problems or natural disasters in those countries. 

    • The OFWs also get information packets on their rights and responsibilities as migrants. 

    • Legal advice on issues related to employment contracts, salary discrepancies, and other concerns that may arise while working abroad. 

    • The agency also helps OFWs find jobs abroad through its Overseas Employment Services Office (OESO), which is part of its Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). 

  • Online services that makes it easier for OFWs to access the services offered by the department:
    • Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS)

    • DMW e-Registration System

    • DMW OFW Records Online Appointment System

    • Balik-Manggagawa (BM) Processing

    • Direct-Hire Processing

    • DMW Online Helpdesk

    • Online Recruitment Authority Application

  • Other more specific DMW services
    • Assisting in the processing of their documents

    • Monitoring employment conditions

    • Providing counseling and repatriation assistance

    • Investigating complaints of abuse and exploitation

    • The Department of Migrant Workers also works with host governments, employers, and other stakeholders to promote the welfare of Filipino migrant workers.

Important Reminders

Here are a few things worth remembering when it comes to accessing the programs and services offered by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW):

  • There isn’t much difference between POEA and DMW for OFWs at the moment since most of the services offered by POEA are still being implemented by the DMW. 

  • The new law will rename the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) into the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), responsible for overseeing all programs aimed at preserving the welfare of OFWs.

  • The creation of the DMW will serve as a platform where all problems related to overseas employment and protection of the rights and welfare of OFWs are handled.

  • This department will serve as a medium to facilitate the advancement and development of Filipino workers working abroad.

  • The main difference between the former POEA and the new DMW is that the website of POEA is no longer working. You will have to visit the new website: https://dmw.gov.ph.

  • The operating funds of all six agencies shall be sourced from their respective budget allocations in the 2022 national budget.

  • All officials and employees of the affected agencies shall continue with their regular duties and functions on a holdover capacity until the transition is complete.

  • A joint circular empowers the secretaries of both POEA and DOLE to assign or reassign personnel to ensure the continued delivery of services to the public.

  • The DOLE chief will continue chairing the POEA’s Governing Board, and the Board of Trustees of the OWWA and NMP.

  • The POEA e-Registration System has been migrated into the new DMW e-Registration Portal Online.

Video: How Does the Creation of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Help

In this video posted by the Facebook page of the Office of the Press Secretary, POEA Administrator Atty. Bernard Olalia explains how the newly-launched Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) can help strengthen OFW protection and improve the efficacy of the service delivery of government offices.

Watch it here:

https://fb.watch/hAOps-aVsT/

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the most common questions and answers related to the newly launched Department of Migrant Workers (DMW):

1. What is DMW?

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is the the government’s first-ever department created by virtue of Executive Order No. 18, Series of 2019 with the goal of consolidating all seven different agencies tasked with protecting the rights and welfare of Filipino workers abroad under a single dedicated department.

2. What is the purpose of the creation of DMW?

The DMW was created to streamline the processes that OFWs have to go through when working on their requirements or seeking assistance or services of any kind from the Philippine government and its related agencies.

3. How does the DMWP relate to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) or Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)?

Some may think that the POEA was the old DMW but this can’t be farther from the truth. The POEA and OWWA are separate agencies whose functions served as the backbone of the newly-launched Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). Some of their programs and services were merged and absorbed by the new department as well, but these two agencies will soon be tasked to implement policies and programs developed by the new agency—DMW. For now, however, POEA and DMW are very similar, operating in almost the same way, as the transition of most services previously offered on the POEA website to the new DMW site has just been completed.

4. Prior to the creation of the DMW, what are the existing agencies that implement migrant worker policies and programs in the Philippines?

The Philippine government’s policies and initiatives pertaining to migrant workers are mostly carried out by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), but the following extant agencies also offer policies and services related to migrant workers:

  • Overseas Employees Welfare Administration (OWWA) 

The OWWA serves under the jurisdiction of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), which is responsible for managing the recruitment of Filipino workers for employment abroad. 

  • Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) 

The DFA is in charge of the recruiting, deployment, and repatriation of foreign employees both into and out of the country.

  • Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)

THE DSWD oversees the social protection services for vulnerable OFWs by providing support when OFWs run into issues while working outside of the country.  

  • Department of Health (DOH)

OFWs also get medical treatment and other support from DOH when they sustained injuries or developed illnesses while working abroad.

  • Bureau of Immigration (BI)

The department takes care of implementing policies related to immigration regulations, OFW entry, admission into, stay in, and the departure from the Philippines.

  • Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) is in charge of providing recruitment services ensuring that businesses comply with existing labor laws.

5. What will happen to the agencies assigned for OFWs that are currently functioning under different government departments? 

The other agencies’ activities, which are currently under many government departments and handle various OFW concerns, would be consolidated, combined, and transferred into the new department—DMW.

6. How does the DMW coordinate with other government agencies?

The main objective of launching the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) was to centralize and coordinate the various programs available to OFWs. By consolidating them under a single department, there won’t be any more need for lengthy coordination with other departments even as it seeks to improve the accessibility, efficacy, and efficiency of the services provided to OFWs. 

Any other cooperation required from other government agencies will be done as DMW oversees the establishment of policies regarding migrant workers and the regulation of recruitment agencies and deployment agencies. The new DMW will also create a comprehensive database of workers who have been transferred to a foreign country or who have returned home after working overseas so the authorities can easily locate absent personnel and keep tabs on individuals who have left the country.

7. Why did the government set up an OFW Department?

The creation of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) meant the creation of a single platform where all OFW problems can be addressed and resolved. From enabling immediate help from any government office when OFWs encounter problems about their employment abroad to getting all their concerns all taken cared of immediately through a 24/7 dedicated department, the DMW offers a specialized service delivery platform that all OFWs can benefit from. Plus, not only will the department resolve all problems  pertaining to the protection on the rights and welfare of OFWs can easily be resolved without delay, but it will also help facilitate the advancement and development of Filipino workers working abroad efficiently. The creation of DMW will also ensure that OFWs are treated fairly and that they get the opportunities to voice out legitimate concerns or issues in exchange for the sacrifices they are making for their families back home.

Summary

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is a relatively new department created by the Philippine government in an effort to address issues regarding the difficulty of getting OFW concerns addressed. It was signed into existence in 2021, effectively consolidating all OFW-related functions from seven (7) different Philippine agencies into one single department. The department not only streamlined all OFW-related processes by keeping everything in one place, it also made it easier for the government to deliver their programs and services directed to OFWs since all OFW records will be available in only one place. Plus, it would be easier for the government to come up with an array of services, programs and resources that cater specifically to migrant workers’ needs. Not only that, having one single department will make it clear for OFWs where to seek refuge in case they fall victim to employer abuse and maltreatment, exploitation, or even illegal recruitment practices.

Such ease is a welcome change or development for the country’s Modern-Day Heroes who have long been in dire need of a government agency that could address their concerns and provide them with their much-needed support specific to their needs as migrant workers. It will also pave way for better opportunities for the development and advancement of Filipino workers especially those working to serve their families better while living in distant and unfamiliar lands abroad.

Contact Information

Department of Migrant Workers (DMW)

Office Address: Blas F. Ople Building, Ortigas Ave., Cor. EDSA Ave., Mandaluyong City

Telephone Number: 8-722-11-44 / 8-722-11-55

One Repatriation Center (Hotline): 1348

Email Address: connect@dmw.gov.ph (General Inquiry); repat@dmw.gov.ph (Request for Assistance/Repatriation),  assistance@dmw.gov.ph; feedback@dmw.gov.ph (Feedback and Suggestions)

Website: www.dmw.gov.ph/

Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/dmw.gov.ph

Official Twitter Page: @DMWPHL

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