Marcos wants closer coordination between DFA, DMW

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. vowed a more streamlined and ramped-up coordination between the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to ensure overseas Filipino workers (OFW) are provided timely assistance, especially in times of distress.

The Chief Executive gave the assurance during his meeting with the Filipino community in Cambodia following his participation in the 40th and 41st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit and Related Summits.

“With the collaboration of the DFA headed by Secretary Enrique Manalo and the newest agency in our administration, the DMW under Secretary [Susan] Toots Ople, we will enhance the partnership of these two to give the needed service and assistance to overseas Filipinos who need help,” he said.

The President said the government will intensify its assistance to migrant Filipinos, just like what the previous leadership did at the height of the coronavirus pandemic where the government extended help to distressed OFWs coursed through the DFA, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

In Cambodia alone, the government was able to provide welfare assistance to around 5,000 based in the neighboring Southeast Asian country.

This is on top of the aid from the DFA’s Assistance to Nationals funds given to OFWs while waiting for their repatriation to the Philippines due to the Covid-19 crisis.

Medical repatriations were also conducted and while representation was also provided through the Legal Assistance Fund, which provided Khmer-speaking lawyers to Filipinos facing legal problems in Cambodia.

Based on the data from the Philippine consulate in Cambodia, there are more than 5,000 Filipinos living and working in the country, most of them are English teachers and supervisors in clothing and apparel factories and casinos.

“We are inspired by your dedication, your hard work. And I ensure that your sacrifices will not be for nothing,” Marcos expressed.

One sacrifice the President mentioned is OFWs being away from their loved ones to seek better opportunities abroad.

This is why he further vowed to explore all avenues to improve working conditions in the Philippines so that the day will come when they leave the country is because of choice and not a necessity.

“My dream is for Filipinos never having to leave again because they can’t find good employment opportunities in the Philippines. If they should leave to work, it is not by force but because there are better and higher positions waiting to be grabbed. I dream of jobs for every Filipino,” he said.

The President noted that it is no wonder that Filipinos are sought by employers across the globe because of their skills, professionalism, and honesty.

“Filipinos are the best people in the entire world,” he said.