Makati city: Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac lauded overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) for their growing economic contribution as he touted the government's intensified push for expanded reintegration programs. Speaking during the celebration of the Month of Overseas Filipinos and the International Migrants Day in Makati City on Thursday night, Cacdac cited the growth in OFW remittances to USD3.52 billion in October from USD3.46 billion in September, as reported by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
According to Philippines News Agency, Cacdac expressed gratitude toward overseas Filipinos and OFWs, emphasizing their significant role in the nation's economy. He noted that the journey of OFWs neither ends with the expiration of their contracts nor concludes upon their return home. Instead, it marks the beginning of a complex transition back into an economy, community, and family that must be prepared to receive them.
Cacdac highlighted that reintegration is a long-term economic, social, and psychosocial process requiring coordination across government, local authorities, the private sector, and migrant communities. The DMW has adopted a reintegration framework anchored on "kaalaman, kabuhayan at kalinga" (knowledge, livelihood, and care). Under the "kaalaman" pillar, financial and business literacy programs are now embedded throughout the migration cycle to ensure that workers and their families can make informed decisions even before leaving the country.
Partnerships with TESDA, higher education institutions, and private firms aim to expand training and micro-credentialing opportunities to improve OFW skills. One such initiative is the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Acceleration program, which allows OFWs who were unable to complete college to earn degrees by crediting their work experience abroad.
Cacdac also stressed the importance of providing alternatives to domestic work, particularly for women entering the overseas labor market. The government is expanding training for caregiving, hospitality, and other skilled occupations to improve wages, job classification, and worker protection. Under the "kalinga" pillar, the DMW has strengthened psychosocial services through wellness and 'kamustahan' sessions for OFWs and their families.
The OFW Hospital is a critical component of migrant welfare support, delivering more than 200,000 services since 2023. Livelihood assistance remains a core focus of reintegration efforts, with the National Reintegration Center for OFWs reaching a record 4,700 beneficiaries under its 'Buy local, buy OFW' livelihood programs, the highest since its launch nearly a decade ago. In 2025, the program doubled its reach to more than 10,309 returning OFWs.
Cacdac also highlighted the DMW Aksyon Fund, which has provided financial assistance ranging from PHP50,000 to PHP100,000 to nearly 30,000 distressed OFWs, including those facing medical, legal, and emergency situations. As the nation marks International Migrants Day, Cacdac emphasized a commitment to doing more and serving better, ensuring that every returning overseas Filipino is met with opportunity, dignity, and hope.
