PRESS RELEASE
WDC-64-2026
27 October 2026
Embassy Press and Information Section
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Migrant Workers Office-Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (MWO-OWWA) in Washington, D.C. briefed 53 OFW community leaders from the United States and the Caribbean on new programs and digital services of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and OWWA during a virtual Talakayan on October 21, 2026.
Labor Attaché Saul De Vries opened the forum by thanking OFW leaders and volunteers for helping their fellow migrant workers while warning that such assistance should never be used for personal profit. He noted that the opportunity to help should not be used as an opportunity to profit from another person’s difficulty. He urged participants to guard against illegal recruiters, unauthorized fees and online job scams, rely on official sources for information, and promptly report suspected contract violations, abuse or human trafficking.
De Vries also highlighted the DMW’s continuing digitalization efforts, including online contract verification, aimed at making transactions with MWO more accessible and efficient.
MWO Administrative Staff Erika Jersey Oliveros, meanwhile, explained the process for obtaining exit clearances – either the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) or an OFW Pass – through the DMW online portal or the eGovPH app. She noted that digital platform streamlines access to government services and stressed the importance of following official registration and account verification procedures for the issuance of OEC and OFW Pass.
Welfare Officer Mae Codilla discussed OWWA’s Workers Assistance Program, outlining the agency’s on-site services for labor disputes and urgent assistance and explaining the documentation and case-reporting requirements for requesting support.
OWWA Administrative Staff Freya Palad provided updates on online membership renewal and the onsite issuance of OWWA eCard. She encouraged the participants to remind their fellow OFWs to keep their OWWA membership active to maintain access to coverage and benefits.
Dr. Diondy Palagtiw, Officer-in-Charge of OWWA’s Planning and Program Development Division, presented the Lifelong Learning Education Assistance Program for OFWs (LEAP-OFWs). The initiative provides financial support and a pathway for workers to convert overseas employment experience into recognized college degrees through the Commission on Higher Education’s Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (CHED-ETEEAP).
Moderated by Mr. Jo Mari Rifareal, the forum is part of MWO-OWWA WDC’s continuing effort to keep OFWs informed, connected and protected through official government channels.
PHOTO RELEASE
WDC-269-2026
27 October 2026
Embassy Press and Information Section
