DMW-13 encourages use of online system
By Remil Vincent E.
Lagumbay
BUTUAN CITY— With the growing number of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Caraga urged the OFWs in the region to take advantage of their online processing system, during their recent guesting at the 15th Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas in collaboration with Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga.
Regional Director Ritchel Molero-Butao of the DMW Caraga shared that the department has implemented initiatives and innovations that improved their operations since its full constitution in 2022.
“We are advancing our technological services, especially our ‘Balik-Manggagawa’ Processing, it can now be accomplished online so OFWs that reside in the distant parts of the region, especially those that are from the areas of Sibagat, Siargao Island and Dinagat Islands won't be needing to come to the physical office just to process their Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC),” said Dir. Butao.
“Using their personal accounts, they just have to log in the site and conveniently obtain their OECs as one of the primary documents presented in international airports serving as proof that they are legitimate workers departing the country,” she added.
Butao also bared other services such as direct hire processing, OFW pass, and pre-employment orientation-seminars can now be processed digitally for those individuals seeking employment abroad, conforming to the call for accessible government services.
The director shared further that the DMW is also accrediting recruitment agencies, ensuring that these agencies are licensed and are qualified to deploy OFWs abroad. Through this accreditation the department can assure that the OFWs are in good hands and properly monitored.
“Our monitoring function falls under the licensing and regulation division where DMW accredits recruitment agencies before a private establishment can send an OFW abroad, they must comply with the documents required to qualify as a licensed recruitment agency authorizing them to recruit and operate an OFWs deployment,” She expounded.
Shown in an audio-visual presentation, the DMW shared their accomplishments in coordination with its partner agencies highlighting the essential roles of their offices, standing as the cornerstone of safeguarding the rights and advancing the welfare of OFWs.
Through its comprehensive mandate under Section 5 of Republic Act No. 11641, the DMW took charge with formulating and implementing policies that do not only regulate and manage overseas employment but also ensure the effective reintegration of OFWs. By focusing on the empowerment and continuous development of migrant workers' skills, the DMW is dedicated to fostering an environment where OFWs can thrive, thereby fulfilling its ultimate goal of enhancing their well-being and professional growth. (RVL/PIA-Caraga)
