Ilocos norte: Local government units (LGUs) in Ilocos Norte province have strengthened their partnership with the regional office of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to intensify efforts against illegal recruitment and human trafficking through expanded public awareness, prevention, and community-based interventions.
According to Philippines News Agency, following the signing of a convergence memorandum of agreement, Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos reaffirmed the provincial government's commitment to protecting residents from exploitation by strengthening local anti-illegal recruitment initiatives and supporting national efforts to combat human trafficking. She also encouraged the public to report suspicious recruitment activities to the appropriate authorities.
"The partnership seeks to enhance coordination between LGUs and the DMW in reporting suspected cases, assisting victims, and ensuring that Ilokanos have access to accurate information on overseas employment opportunities," she added.
Banna Mayor Mary Chrislyn Abadilla reported that their LGU is open 24/7 to every overseas Filipino worker (OFW) family. "Whatever we can give, we will do it all," Abadilla said, emphasizing the municipality's commitment to providing accessible assistance, responsive public service, and close coordination with partner agencies for the protection and welfare of OFWs.
Under the agreement, participating agencies and LGUs will strengthen the implementation of information and education campaigns, pre-migration orientation seminars, job fairs, skills development and upskilling programs, and the establishment of OFW Help Desks in local government units. These initiatives are expected to enhance public awareness, improve access to government services, and further protect aspiring migrant workers from illegal recruitment and human trafficking.
In a separate interview, Assistant Secretary for land-based OFW concern Venecio Legaspi of the DMW said more than 1,000 accounts on social media had been closed, and illegal recruiters had been arrested. Through the convergence initiative, Legaspi said he hopes to enhance coordination between LGUs and the DMW in reporting suspected cases, assisting victims, and ensuring that communities have access to accurate information on overseas employment opportunities.
The campaign also encourages prospective overseas workers to verify job offers through the DMW and transact only with licensed recruitment agencies. Authorities warned that illegal recruiters often exploit individuals by promising high-paying jobs abroad without the required legal documentation.
