MWO-OWWA CONDUCTS WELFARE VISITS TO OFWs IN MISSISSIPPI AND LOUISIANA

PRESS RELEASE
WDC-52-2026

16 September 2026

Embassy Press and Information Section

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Migrant Workers Office-Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (MWO-OWWA) in Washington, DC conducted welfare and worksite visits to Filipino workers in Mississippi and Louisiana on September 10 and 11, 2026, as part of its continuing efforts to monitor the living and working conditions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) under its jurisdiction.

On September 10, 2026, the MWO-OWWA team visited a detained Filipino seafarer at a prison facility in Mississippi ahead of his scheduled release in 2027. During the visit, the team assessed his health, living conditions, and overall treatment to help ensure his well-being. To uplift his morale, the team also delivered personal messages from his family in the Philippines. He expressed deep gratitude to the Philippine government for the continued assistance and support extended to him and his family.

On September 11, 2026, the team conducted back-to-back worksite visits to Filipino workers in Louisiana employed by Grand Isle Shipyard (GIS) in Galliano and Sontheimer Offshore Catering Co. (SONOCO) in Houma. Accompanied by Philippine Honorary Consul Roberto Romero of New Orleans, the team met with sixty-two (62) OFWs working in oil and gas drilling platforms.

During the Louisiana worksite visits, the team assessed the workers’ conditions, listened to their concerns, and provided updates on programs and services available through the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and OWWA. The team also met with management representatives of GIS and SONOCO, which together employ around 400 OFWs, to discuss employee welfare and employment conditions.

“Our engagement with both our workers and their employers allows us to better understand their day-to-day experiences, help ensure that labor rights and safety standards are upheld, and reassure our workers that the Philippine government remains ready to support them,” said Labor Attaché Saul T. De Vries.

MWO-OWWA WDC reminded OFWs to maintain proper conduct, respect host-country laws and customs, and remain connected with the Philippine Embassy, Consulate General, and MWO for assistance and information. The office also reaffirmed its commitment to conducting regular outreach activities and strengthening coordination with employers and stakeholders to help ensure accessible services and continued protection for Filipino workers.