San Fernando: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is inviting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families in Region 3 (Central Luzon) to avail of its services at the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Caravan on Tuesday. The event will take place at the Bren Z. Guiao Sports Complex and Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. It aims to provide a range of services to current and returning migrant workers in the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, the caravan will offer overseas employment assistance, legal and welfare support, medical assistance, and livelihood and reintegration services programs. The initiative is part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directives to protect and ensure the welfare of returning Filipino migrant workers, aiming to bring the services of the DMW closer to the OFWs.
A significant component of the event is the signing of two key agreements focused on enhancing the long-term welfare of OFWs in Pampanga. One agreement involves the DMW, Department of Labor and Employment-3, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority-3 (TESDA-3), and the provincial government. Another agreement includes the OFW Hospital, Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital, Department of Health-3, and the provincial government. These agreements are intended to strengthen cooperation between national and local agencies in supporting the lives of OFWs in the province.
The caravan will also feature around 20 accredited recruitment agencies offering job opportunities for aspiring OFWs. The DMW legal team will provide guidance on labor rights, contract disputes, and repatriation concerns. Additionally, the National Reintegration Center for OFWs will distribute financial aid and livelihood support to about 100 beneficiaries under the AKSYON (Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFW na Nangangailangan) Fund and the Livelihood Program for Overseas Reintegration.
The AKSYON Fund offers legal, medical, financial, and other types of assistance to OFWs, including repatriation, shipment of remains, evacuation, and rescue services. Meanwhile, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration will organize fun events and games for attendees. Various national agencies, including the Department of Foreign Affairs, National Bureau of Investigation, Department of Labor and Employment, Philippine Statistics Authority, Home Development Mutual (Pag-IBIG) Fund, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, TESDA, Social Security System, and Overseas Filipino Bank, will also be onsite to assist OFWs.
