Mandaluyong city: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is intensifying its support for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) with a significant utilization of its Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFWs na Nangangailangan (AKSYON) Fund. As of October 1, the department reported a 70-percent utilization rate of the fund, which aims to aid victims of trafficking and illegal recruitment.

According to Philippines News Agency, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac announced on Wednesday that approximately PHP20 million has been disbursed in financial aid to 399 OFWs. This assistance was part of a broader effort to improve legal, medical, and financial support for affected workers. The DMW distributed PHP50,000 each to these OFWs at its central office in Mandaluyong City on September 30.

Of the 399 beneficiaries, 200 were victims of illegal recruitment, while the remaining 199 were survivors of human trafficking rescued from countries such as Iraq, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to enhance the protection and support for Filipinos working overseas.

Cacdac emphasized that the DMW is collaborating with other government agencies to combat illegal recruitment and trafficking. In addition to financial aid, the department is reinforcing legal protection by hiring more internal and external lawyers to manage OFW cases.

The DMW is also focusing on expanding its workforce on the ground. By employing local hires for its Migrant Workers Offices (MWO) abroad, the department aims to leverage their familiarity with local languages, cultures, and customs. Many of these local hires are former OFWs themselves.

Furthermore, Cacdac highlighted the department’s efforts to strengthen its shelter network, particularly for OFWs with children, ensuring they receive comprehensive support while awaiting repatriation or legal resolutions.

The DMW has advised aspiring overseas workers to engage only with licensed recruitment agencies and to verify job offers through official channels before departing the country. Additionally, the department encourages victims and the public to report any suspicious recruitment activities to the Migrant Workers Protection Bureau (MWPB) via its Facebook page or by calling hotline 1348.