The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is asking Congress to grant a higher budget for 2026, saying the current P10.2 billion proposed under the National Expenditure Program (NEP) is not enough to sustain the needs of millions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
During a budget hearing at the House Committee on Appropriations, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the department is pushing for more funds for its Action Fund and maintenance and operating expenses, both crucial to supporting distressed OFWs and fighting illegal recruitment.
“We’re Hitting Our Stride”
Cacdac explained that the DMW had previously struggled to fully utilize its action fund, but that has now changed.
“Ngayon, we’re hitting 70% utilization of the Action Fund. Noon hindi kami natutugunan because of low utilization. But now that we’re finally hitting our stride, bigla kaming tinamaan ng mababang budget. Kaya we are asking for more funding,” he said.
The Action Fund covers legal, medical, and financial humanitarian assistance for OFWs in need.
Cacdac stressed that the proposed NEP allocation is 44% lower than what the DMW originally requested.
The “Heart and Soul” of OFW Assistance
The DMW chief described the Action Fund as the “heart and soul” of OFW assistance programs, lamenting that the proposed allocation for 2026 was cut to P1.2 billion, far below the P2.2 billion set in 2025.
“We were hoping at least for the same amount, if not P2.4 billion. The Action Fund is at the core of everything we do for our OFWs,” Cacdac said.
Push for a Migrant Workers Service Bureau
Cacdac also asked Congress to support the creation of a Migrant Workers Service Bureau—a dedicated unit that would administer the Action Fund.
“Right now, it’s ad hoc. But for a billion-peso fund, there must be a specific bureau to manage it. This will ensure that the fund better serves our dear OFWs,” he explained.
The DMW requested P12.29 million and 17 new staff to establish the bureau.
Strengthening Protection Against Illegal Recruitment
DMW Undersecretary Bernard Olalia reported that with just a P20 million budget in 2025, the department was able to conduct 217 surveillance operations, shut down 29 establishments, and entrap 17 illegal recruiters.
Cacdac added that the department plans to open OFW help desks in 82 provinces, calling them “frontline, grassroots” support centers.
“In truth, we want them in every city, even every barangay. But for now, we’re asking for 82 provinces as a start,” he said.
Currently, the DMW services around 6 to 7 million OFWs nationwide.
Cracking Down on Human Trafficking
Cacdac also revealed disturbing reports that some Bureau of Immigration personnel may be involved in trafficking schemes.
Rescued victims from Cambodia shared that they were told to approach “marked” BI officers at the airport for faster exits.
“Obviously, not all BI personnel are involved, but we are aware of the modus. Rest assured, we vow to run after the scalawags who traffic our OFWs,” Cacdac declared.
So far in 2025, the Philippine Embassy in Cambodia has confirmed the rescue of 186 Filipino workers from scam hubs.
The call is clear: the DMW needs stronger funding, more manpower, and focused systems to protect millions of Filipino workers who sacrifice abroad.
As Cacdac put it, “The Action Fund is the heart and soul of our programs. Without it, we cannot fully serve our OFWs.”
