PRESS RELEASE
WDC-25-2026
04 May 2026
Embassy Press and Information Section
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Migrant Workers Office-Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (MWO-OWWA) in Washington, DC, Social Security System (SSS) and Pag-IBIG Fund successfully concluded its OFW Information and Service Caravan in Cayman Islands and The Bahamas, delivering on-site government services to more than 1,700 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Held from 27 March to 2 April 2026, the caravans brought a one-stop-shop of essential government services directly to Filipino communities in the islands.
Spearheaded by the MWO-Washington DC, the activities commenced in the Cayman Islands on 27 March, with three days of services at the Lion’s Community Center and the ARC at Camana Bay. Representatives from key government agencies, including OWWA Manila and Milan, SSS, and the Pag-IBIG Fund, participated in the caravans.
After the Cayman Islands leg, the inter-agency team proceeded to Nassau, The Bahamas, where services were conducted at the Courtyard Marriott Nassau Downtown. The mission concluded on 2 April, extending vital labor, welfare, and social protection services closer to Filipino workers in the two Caribbean territories.
During the caravan, MWO facilitated contract verification for 623 OFWs, accredited two (2) employers, and aided four (4) OFWs through the AKSYON Fund. OWWA processed the enrolment and renewal of membership of 1,057 OFWs and issued e-Cards, an identification and membership card—to 1,537 OFWs. MWO and OWWA also addressed labor and welfare concerns and conducted hospital visits. Meanwhile, the SSS representative assisted 457 OFWs with membership contribution inquiries and benefit applications, while the Pag-IBIG Fund provided guidance on housing loans, savings, and investment programs to 524 OFWs.
The MWO-OWWA WDC team was composed of Labor Attaché Saul De Vries, Welfare Officer Mae Codilla, Mr. Jo Mari Rifareal, Ms. Freya Palad, and Mr. Oliver Flores. They were joined by Ms. Jeanelyn Latosa of OWWA-Milan, Mr. Renato Dela Cruz of OWWA-Manila, Mr. Rigor Pantollano of SSS New York, and Atty. Eduardo Labo Jr. of the Pag-IBIG Fund Foreign-based Offices Operations Department.
In addition to individual services, the caravans featured town hall sessions to brief the Filipino community on programs and benefits available to OFWs. Discussions covered the DMW AKSYON Fund, OWWA social protection benefits, scholarships and training grants, SSS benefits, and investment opportunities through the Pag-IBIG Fund.
The caravan in both Caribbean islands was supported by Honorary Consul Arturo Ursua in Cayman Islands, former Honorary Consul Dr. Leo Ignacio in The Bahamas as well as the members of One Filcom Group, the umbrella organization of Filipino community groups in Cayman Islands, Filipino Association of The Bahamas, and Overseas Filipino Workers International.
